Ustad Amjad Ali Khan is one of the most celebrated sarod players in the world. He belongs to the Bangash lineage of musicians, which traces its roots to the 16th century. He learned the art of playing the sarod from his father, Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan, who was also a renowned sarod maestro. Ustad Amjad Ali Khan has performed in many prestigious venues across the globe, and has received numerous awards and honors for his contribution to Indian classical music. He is also known for his innovative compositions and collaborations with other artists from different genres and cultures. He has been awarded the second highest civilian honour – Padma Vibhushan in India.

While returning today from Ranchi to Baghdad, Jagrata and Judhajit came with me up to Delhi. While we were getting out of the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, I just walked across the great Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan near the exit gate.

I asked for his autograph and he smilingly obliged me.

He is a very nice, gentle human being. Both I and my son approached him for his autograph, which he smilingly acceded to. During that short period, he not only asked me my name, but where do I belong to, what am I doing etc. I was awed by his personality. I had once the opportunity of attending his concert at Kolkata and that was a really marvelous experience, which I still cherish.

There were a few more people who also accosted him for his autograph after us and he obliged everybody there before walking out of the airport.