In Remembrance of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan

One of the greatest sarod maestros of the twentieth century, a global ambassador of Indian classical music, and a radiant star of musical devotion, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan was born on 14 April 1922 in Shibpur village of Nabinagar upazila, in the Brahmanbaria district.

His father, Ustad Allauddin Khan, a legendary figure in music, served as a court musician in the princely state of Maihar. Under his father’s guidance, Ali Akbar Khan spent his childhood and adolescence in Maihar. His musical journey began at the tender age of three with vocal training. As his father was proficient in numerous instruments, he had the opportunity from an early age to receive training in a wide range of musical forms.

At the age of nine, his father placed a sarod in his hands. Later, in 1933, his uncle Ustad Ayet Ali Khan gifted him a specially crafted sarod. With this instrument as his lifelong companion, he immersed himself in relentless musical practice. It is said that he would practise for nearly eighteen hours a day—an extraordinary testament to his dedication and discipline.

At just thirteen, he gave his first public performance in Allahabad, captivating audiences with his mastery of the sarod. From the 1940s onwards, his performances at major music conferences propelled him rapidly to prominence.

In 1938, he joined All India Radio as a music director. Later, in 1943, he was appointed as a court musician in Jodhpur, where he served for six years. In 1948, he moved to Mumbai and became involved in film music direction, contributing to notable films such as Khudito Pashan and Jhinder Bandi.

In 1955, he toured England for the first time, followed by the United States. He was among the pioneers who introduced Eastern classical music to Western television audiences. That same year, his long-play record was released in New York—considered one of the earliest significant recordings of Eastern music published in America.

To help build global support for Bangladesh’s Liberation War, he participated in the historic Concert for Bangladesh, organised by George Harrison. There, alongside Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Alla Rakha, he performed the iconic “Bangladesh Dhun,” which remains a timeless masterpiece for music lovers.

In recognition of his immense contributions, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. He received the President of India Award twice and had the rare distinction of performing at the inauguration ceremony of John F. Kennedy.

In 1974, University of Dhaka awarded him an honorary doctorate. Similarly, Rabindra Bharati University conferred upon him the title of Doctor of Literature.

In 1991, the MacArthur Foundation awarded him the prestigious “Genius Fellowship.” Between 1970 and 1998, he was nominated for the Grammy Awards five times, reflecting his global acclaim and the universal appeal of his musical artistry.

This great সাধক of music passed away on 18 June 2009 in San Francisco.

His life teaches us that while talent may be innate, greatness is achieved through relentless dedication, perseverance, and lifelong devotion to one’s art. In the musical heritage of the subcontinent, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan remains a legend whose melodies continue to inspire generations.