Ustad Vilayat Khan | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
There are some musicians who have left an indelible mark on the minds of music lovers, who want to stay connected with their art. One such is Ustad Vilayat Khan. Every year on the occasion of Guru Purnima, his eldest disciple Pandit Arvind Parikh brings together the Ustad’s fans and musicians who follow his style of music.
The 2024 edition was held at the Geeta Bhavan Hall of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Mumbai. The event highlighted the importance of the guru-shishya relationship in Indian classical music.
A Guru is defined by five qualities – Gyan (knowledge), Vigyan (analytical approach), Vachna (ability to express clearly), Prayog-Siddhi (ability to demonstrate what he wants to teach) and Shishya-Nishpanna-Kshmata (commitment to guide the disciple to become an artist). Pandit Arvind Parikh seems to combine these qualities in his music and personality. As a dedicated teacher, he remains accessible to his students across the world.
presence of Khan saheb Dirty-Bond ProtégéPt. Arvind Vilayatkhani is one of the leading inheritors of the Baaz (style). He diligently carries forward the glorious legacy of the Agra Gharana. Apart from practical teachings, he has recorded a lot of musical material. He has also created a website with detailed information about many ragas, their varieties, compositions and much more. It serves as both a musical treasure and education for his disciples.
Ustad Vilayat Khan with his chief disciple Arvind Parikh. | Photo courtesy: The Hindu Archives
Every morning Pandit Arvind listens to recordings sent by students who cannot meet him in person. He notes down the points to be discussed during the virtual class.
Addressing students at the Guru Purnima function, he said, “The tradition of Ustad Vilayat Khan should survive for a long time and all of you have to work for it.”
Around 33 students will perform singing, shehnai, surbahar, guitar and sitar in this two-day festival. It started with the performance of video recordings of senior disciples of Pandit Arvind.
Pt. Arvind Parikh | Photo Credit: Bhagya Prakash
Soon the hall reverberated with the melodious tunes of Raga Yaman, compositions adorned with well-formed taans, Bageshree’s composition ‘Apni garaj pakad lihi bainiyaan…’, the sweet melody of the shehnai, the elaborate portrayal of Malkauns on the sitar, Raga Bihag on the guitar, alaap-jod-jhala in Raga Miyan Malhar on the surbahar and the romantic Raga Pilu on the bright red zitar. The singers sang wonderful compositions.
Pandit Arvind Parikh sees this annual gathering as a tribute to the talent of Ustad Vilayat Khan.Tone And brought There are two pillars of music, hold on to them firmly,” he said. “At the age of 90, it is encouraging to see so many young artistes and their students joining the festival. I hope you all keep it up,” he added.
