Mumbai, August 15: Ustad Amir Khan’s unique approach to presenting ragas set him apart in the realm of Hindustani classical music. This distinctive style led to the establishment of his own identity in the world of vocal performance. Notably, he did not imitate any single musical tradition; instead, he blended insights from various esteemed maestros into his own interpretation. This innovative fusion ultimately defined the Indore gharana.
Born on August 15, 1912, into a musical family, Amir Khan was the son of Ustad Shahmeer Khan, a renowned sarangi player. Surrounded by music from a young age, he was exposed to a variety of singing styles as many prominent artists frequented his home. Initially, he began learning the sarangi from his father, but gradually, his passion shifted towards vocal music. Recognizing this inclination, his father guided him in singing, while he also received early training in tabla.
One of Amir Khan’s most remarkable traits was his refusal to confine himself to a single gharana. His home was a hub for many distinguished musicians, allowing him to select elements from different styles that resonated with his voice and musical vision. This process led to the gradual development of his unique style.
Three maestros significantly influenced the creation of this new style. From Ustad Abdul Waheed Khan, he learned the art of unfolding ragas at a slow tempo, which became a hallmark of his performances. The slow rhythm added a distinct character to his presentations.
The second major influence was Ustad Rajab Ali Khan, celebrated for his exquisite taans. Amir Khan adopted the essence of Rajab Ali’s taans into his own style. While his overall singing was not fast-paced, the taans introduced a noticeable speed, enhancing the beauty of his performances.
The third key influence came from Ustad Aman Ali Khan, from whom Amir Khan grasped the technique of Merukhand, which involves using notes in various sequences. He incorporated this technique into his singing, allowing a rich variety of tones to emerge in his sargams and taans, making his music appear intricate and complex.
Amir Khan skillfully blended all these styles into his unique expression. He also lent his voice to films, contributing to classics like “Baiju Bawra,” “Shabaab,” “Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje,” and “Goonj Uthi Shehnai.”
Throughout his career, he received numerous accolades, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and later the Padma Bhushan. Ustad Amir Khan passed away in a tragic road accident in Kolkata on February 13, 1974.
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