By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
After many years, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan was back in Dehradun to weave magic on sarod that drew wholesome applause from the packed gathering in Dehradun on Saturday night.
The occasion was the first day of the annual Virasat festival at B R Ambedkar Stadium where the rhythmic melodies and tunes of Khan Saab captivated all listeners.
Khan Saab began with Raga Ganesh Kalyan, a composition of his own. This was followed by a beautiful bandish (composition) in Raga Desh.
And then came “ekla Chalo re” (If no one responds to your call, then go your own way alone}, a Bengali patriotic song written by Rabindranath Tagore in 1905. There was a slight disturbance but the Ustad deftly completed the rendition with all dexterity.
Accompanying the famous sarod maestro on stage for this splendid session were Fateh Singh and Mithilesh Jha, who performed a jugalbandi (duet) on the tabla.
The doyen of Indian classical music is world-renowned for his clear, fast, extremely delightful, and melodious taans. Born in a classical music family in Gwalior, he is part of the lineage of the Senia Gharana. His father, Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan, was his first Guru. Significantly, his lineage is linked to Tansen, and this gharana is credited with the invention of the sarod, which has undoubtedly produced many renowned artists.
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan is a personality honored with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and the highest civilian award, Padma Vibhushan. He has also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and Fellowship.
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, who has brought glory to India and its classical music on the world stage, has incorporated several ragas into the history of Hindustani classical music. Raga Haripriya Kanada, in honor of Swami Haridas, is also a key feature of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan’s identity. Raga Jawahar Manjari in 1990 in honor of Jawaharlal Nehru, Raga Priyadarshini, Raga Hafiz Kauns in memory of Indira Gandhi, Raga Kiranranjani in honor of his father and guru Hafiz Ali Khan, Raga Lalit Dhwani, and Raga Shivanjali, among others, thereby elevating India’s name globally through respect for Indian classical folk art. He has also performed internationally since the 1960s.