Friday, August 14, 2009

Ustad Ali Akbar Khan

Born on April 14, 1922, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan is known as the one of the most accomplished Indian classical musicians. His fame was not restricted to India. He was a famous personality in western music world as well who helped in popularizing Indian classical music in the region. A Sarode wizard, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan had a knack of producing brilliant compositions. Many people termed him the "Indian Johann Sebastian Bach."

Ustad Ali Akbar Khan was bron in East Bengal, the modern day Bangladesh. He belonged to a family of great musicians. His father was a legend in North Indian music he learnt basics of music from his father and uncle. Usatd learned several instruments but finally decided to focus on sarode and vocal. At the age of thirteen, he gave his first public performance. Ustad also worked as a court musician to the Maharaja of Jodhpur. Ustad has several performances to his credit in USA and UK. He also started Ali Akbar College of Music In Marin County, California.

Not many people know but Ustad Ali Akbar Khan also produced music in several films like Aandhiyan, Devi, House Holder, Little Buddha and Khudita Pashan. These movies were acclaimed on international level and made by legends like Satyajit Ray and Bernardo Bertolucci. Ustad Ali Akbar Khan also won Asian Paints Shiromani Award. After a prolonged illness, Ustad finally left us on June 19, 2009, in San Francisco (USA). He is survived by his wife Mary and eleven children.

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