Youngsters of Jaipur take interest in classical music

Ustad Rashid Khan performed at the 12th Ramjile Swarankar Smriti Samaroh on Saturday evening in Jaipur. Rashid Khan has straddled the world of Bollywood and classical music with consummate ease. Some of his songs like Aaoge Jab Tum Wo Sajna from Jab We Met and Allah Hi Rehem from My Name is Khan became instant hits after their release.
The audience present there lost no time in requesting the Ustad to sing the Aaoge Jab Tum song and as he started singing, silence descended upon the entire auditorium.The Ustad's voice and the lilting melody of the song had everybody glued to their seats. He also rendered the song Tu Jag Mein in raag yaman.
Talking to JT, the maestro said, “Performing in Jaipur is always a great experience and cause for satisfaction. It is a city of music lovers. After all, Ra jasthan itself has a rich tradition of music and culture. What I found equally heartening is the fact that even youngsters of Jaipur take keen interest in classical music.
'' Talking about reality shows, Rashid Khan said that he finds the very spectacle of kids singing at the top of their voice quite off-putting. “It is not music but sheer travesty . It can damage their vocal chord. At this age, kids should be given proper taalim because their voice is not that mature. Once they receive proper training, they can get into the groove and become successful singers.'' He feels the government should encourage classical music in our country and popularise it as much as possible.
Born in Badayun in Uttar Pradesh, Rashid Khan received his initial training from his maternal grand-uncle, Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan. He gave his first concert at the age of eleven in 1977.The Ustad has the rare privilege of performing Raag Darbari with the late maestro Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.