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.

Indian Fusion Music

Fusion music is an interesting concept which is quite popular in many parts of the world. Fusion as the name suggests, refers to mixing up of two different music. It is not only an innovative way to present class music but it also commands a world wide fan following. Fusion music in Indian context is not a very old concept. The first known fusion performance by an Indian musician was way back in 1955 when Ustad Ali Akbar khan performed in USA. That can be said as the beginning trend in fusion music by Indian musicians. Slowly the concept picked up and with opening up of numerous cultural collaborations, more and more fusion music performance started taking place. They say, music has no religion and no language. Fusion music proves this statement.

Indian music witnessed more fusion in 1960s and 70s when rock and roll was making waves. Renowned sitar player Pandit Ravi Shankar was the chief protagonist of emerging Indian fusion music. Several stage shows were performed in places as far as Europe and North America. He also collaborated with famous music band Beatles. Other Indian musicians to perform fusion music were, Bihari Sharma, Khalil Bal Krishna, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Badal Roy. In popular category, Asha Bhosle and Shaan also performed with other western artists. In recent days, several filmy music and bhangra songs have been fused to create amazing music. With introduction of several new technologies in music equipments, this trend of fusion music is bound to be even more popular.