Mumbai, February 12: On the eve of Ustad Amir Khan’s death anniversary on February 13, the nation pays tribute to the legendary figure who redefined Hindustani classical music. Once unceremoniously pulled off stage after just 15 minutes due to audience impatience, Khan turned adversity into triumph, cementing his legacy as the unparalleled voice of depth and introspection in Indian music.
Born on August 15, 1912, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, into a musical dynasty, Amir Khan was destined for greatness. His father, Shahmir Khan, was a renowned sarangi player in the Holkar court, while his grandfather, Changhe Khan, had performed in Bahadur Shah Zafar’s Mughal darbar. Surrounded by ragas from infancy, young Amir’s world shattered at age nine with his mother’s passing, instilling a profound sensitivity that would color his art.
Initially trained on sarangi by his father, Amir’s heart lay in vocal music. He delved deep into gayaki, mastering tabla for rhythmic precision. Home mehils buzzed with luminaries, shaping his unique style that blended khayal and dhrupad traditions, birthing the Indore gharana.
Arriving in Bombay in 1934, Khan faced brutal rejection. His measured, introspective alaap—slow and profound—baffled casual listeners craving quick thrills. At one concert, organizers halted him after 15 minutes, urging thumri instead. Unyielding, Khan refused compromise, prioritizing purity over popularity.
Persistence paid off. His ‘antarmukhi’ gayaki, shunning ostentation, captivated connoisseurs. Khan broke barriers by lending his voice to films like Baiju Bawra, Shabab, Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje, and Gunj Uthi Shehnai. These songs popularized classical ragas in households, bridging elite art with the masses.
Honors followed: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Padma Bhushan, and Presidential accolades. Tragically, on February 13, 1974, a Kolkata road accident claimed his life at 61. Today, Ustad Amir Khan’s recordings echo eternally, a testament to unwavering artistry.