The world of poetry and ghazals is undoubtedly synonymous to the musical maestro Ustad Ghulam Abbas Khan Sahab. He belongs to the Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana which owes its allegiance to Miyan Tansen's tradition. From a very young age, he was introduced to the world of music by his late grand father, Ustad Jafar Khan, a well known Sarangi player of India. Apart from singing in his trademark mellifluous voice, Abbas Sahab is also an accomplished composer and music director. He has performed in music festivals across the globe. My family and I had the opportunity to enjoy a meaningful conversation with Ustad Sahab and his lovely wife Shadma ji during our recent trip to Mumbai. Read on to find our more in his words.
1. Firstly Abbas ji, thank you so much for taking time out to be interviewed by me on such short notice. Tell me a little more about your family background and life from childhood until present? What was it like for you as a child growing up in an illustrious world renowned musical family?
A: First of all thank you so much for your kind words and love.
I belong to an illustrious family of Hindustani Classical Musicians known as Rampur Sahaswan Gharana. It is among the most respected families of the Indian Classical Music and our roots are more than 500 year old.
As a child I grew up to the riyaz of my legendary father Late Padmashri Ustad Ghulam Sadiq Khan Sahib. Music is still a way of life in our families. And I feel blessed to be born in such a family that has dedicated many generations in serving the great tradition of Indian classical music.
Initially however, my childhood days involved more of sketching, poetry and cricket than music as those were things that interested me back then. Music of course was an innate part of me, and would come naturally to me even as a young toddler. I still remember when I was enrolled at the nursery school in Old Delhi, my teachers would ask me to sing songs from films, to keep me and the others entertained. One song I still remember singing was, Mohd. Rafi Sahab’s ‘Rukh Se Zara Naqaab Utha Do Mere Huzoor’.
2. Apart from learning music from your grandfather, did you also learn music from your dad? Is the art of music passed down from generation to generation?
A: Yes, I initially started learning from my grandfather Ustad Ghulam Jafar Khan Sahib who was the great Sarangi Player. My grandfather passed away when I was 15. After the demise of my grandfather I started learning under the tutelage of my father Ustad Ghulam Sadiq Khan Sahib and continued doing so until his demise in May 2016.
3. How does an individual become a Classical singer? How much of practice is involved and how is this art form taught to students?
A: Indian Classical Music is based on Gharana and Guru Shishya Parampara.
This means that there are a few families which carry the responsibility of passing on the great tradition of music through generations for centuries, keeping it alive. This is done through the tradition of Guru Shishya (teacher and student) parampara. The knowledge and the singing style is passed on to blood relatives, however it may not be limited to just them, and is passed on to anyone who willingly seeks it, that is outside the family too. This comprises of a Gharana.
Thus, in order to become a Classical vocalist, it is extremely important to be trained under an eminent Guru, and of course practice daily. I personally recommend at least 2 to 3 hours of riyaz a day.
4. Is Indian classical music a dying art form or do you think that it is an art form that requires more exposure globally?
A: I do not think it is a dying art form, however there is some negligence on the part of the commercial media, which only promotes what they think would bring money easily.
Every Classical art form has a niche of its own. Indian Classical Music is an art form of centuries, which means that there have been, and there always will be people who would be interested in it. The art form just requires a certain level of depth and understanding, to evoke love and interest towards it.
I also do believe that it’s a good time for music and culture globally, given the time that we live in, the Internet has played a significant role is giving our music and culture the exposure it deserves, and has got many young people attracted to it.
Thus, more such exposure is definitely required! And I am very optimistic about the future of Indian Classical Music.
5. If you could be granted one wish and have any skill or talent in the world, what would it be?
A: If I were to be granted one wish then I would abolish the term of religion from this world. Because the term has divided mankind and is the reason for most of the bloodiest killings in the world. I strongly believe that all of worship the same Almighty and the path through which we do so really shouldn’t matter, as all of them lead to him.
As for the one talent, I would ask Allah to make me a musician each time I am born and make me a singer as great as my dad.
6. Since you hail from a family that has won many national awards in India for music, are any of your kids embarking on a career in music?
A: Yes, my older son Ghulam Hasan Khan is already professional Classical Vocalist and by the grace of Almighty he is among the finest young classical vocalist in India.
My younger son Aadil too, is being trained in music to pursue it professionally.
Apart from them, I have three daughters, all blessed with a talent and inclination towards music.
7. There are many people out there who aspire to be budding singers. How do you identify talent? What qualities do these individuals need to have in order to become singers on a global stage?
A: Firstly, You should have the soul for the music, if you are blessed with that then half of the battle is won.
Secondly, if you are born with good voice quality it is again a blessing of Allah which you must nurture.
And, you must get trained under a good Guru and do rigorous riyaz.
Finally, you must be willing to work hard, hard work is the key to success, and it is on you to practice and become better and better, and to promote yourself.
8. What has been your most memorable performance thus far?
A: There have been many memorable performances in my career but if I name one, it has to the performance at Griffith University Brisbane, Australia, in 1998, when I performed Raga Miyaan Ki Todi. It was a morning concert, it was houseful, and among the audience were a majority of white youngsters. I received standing ovation and continuous applause for more than a minute. I would never forget that concert, and it is amongst the memories I cherish.
9. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
A: I wish to serve this beautiful art until my last breath. I want to teach more and more students those who seriously want to learn Indian Classical Music and I want to do more and more creative research in different forms of Indian Vocal music.
I have recently created three new raagas: Raag Mohini Bhairav, Raag Moh Bihaag, and Raag Vibhashree. I do plan on working towards more such creations.
10. I understand that you also have many students around the world who are learning music from you? How does an individual become a student? How are classes conducted? If a student is unable to play the harmonium for example, are they still able to learn how to sing?
A: If you are blessed with musical talent and people around you recognize it, you should nurture it and start learning under the good Guru.
Classes are either conducted in physical space, one on one, otherwise online. Nowadays technology is playing a significant role in connecting people around the world. This encouraged me to start online classes (via Skype and WhatsApp) worldwide. I have students in USA, Canada, Australia, U.K., Germany and other parts of the world.
Thus the only prerequisite to become a student is the willingness to work hard.
As far as the instrument is concerned, I teach my students without the harmonium, using just the tanpura, and the tabla, both being electronic for the ease of the student. Once the voice
is trained enough, only then do I introduce to them the harmonium, which again is taught step by step, easing the student into it.
11. What advice would you give to young aspiring musicians out there?
I always tell youngsters that Indian Culture is one the richest cultures in the world and our music is very special. Thus it is our responsibility to carry it forward. My advice has always been for them to learn under an eminent Guru and follow the Guru shishya parampara seriously. This will not only nurture your potential but also heal you spiritually.
Once again Ustaad Sahab, thank you so much for agreeing to be interviewed by me . Desert Moon wishes you all the best in your future endeavours. Hope to see you soon in South Africa!
