Tidbits
THE WONDER BOX
Memorabilia - A Hindustani Special
Ustad Allauddin Khan of Malhar, while young, was
not enticed by his two wives but ran away from home in pursuit of his passion to learn
music. He went to Ustad Wazir Khan, a descendant of Tansen and a member of the Beenkar
gharana at Rampur, but the sentries would not allow him in! Young Allauddin even
thought of committing suicide in desperation when a mullah stepped into his life. He gave
him a letter addressed to Wazir Khan but the catch lay in reaching the Wazir! How to dent
the Maginot Line of servants?
One day, as the Nawab of Rampur drove towards the theatre, Allauddin threw himself in
front of the vehicle and poured his heart out to the sympathetic Nawab. Impressed by the
fanatic sincerity of the boy, the Nawab himself took personal interest to arrange for
Allauddin's tuitions with the Wazir.
Such anecdotes reveal how difficult it was to learn and practise music even a few
decades ago and how different it is now!
Quote-Unquote
"One must read, absorb, learn and know
about India's religion, philosophies and spiritual atmosphere. One may even have to come
to India to understand our music, let alone play it. All these are necessary since our
music is very closely connected to the complete unfolding of India's history and
development. Without intense study of our traditions and culture, the music would appear
false and sympathetic.
"Starting from the very beginning, it requires at least twenty years of constant work
and practise to reach maturity. A talented student may do this with five years of planned,
organized and concentrated work". (Pandit Ravi Shankar, the Sitar maestro)
"In olden days, if a musician made a mistake, the audience would immediately react.
Now it is different. The audience applauds more and more, especially, if the Tabla player
has shown his prowess with a few quick bols or tihais!" (Lakshman Krishna Rao of the
Gwalior gharana)
Courtesy: "Garland" N Rajagopalan
