Today was an unforgettable day—I had the incredible fortune of meeting the legendary sarod maestro, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, and even getting his autograph!

A Maestro of Indian Classical Music

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan is one of the most celebrated sarod players in the world. He belongs to the illustrious Bangash lineage, which traces its roots back to the 16th century. His father, Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan, was also a renowned sarod maestro and mentored him in the rich tradition of Indian classical music. Ustad Amjad Ali Khan has performed at prestigious venues across the globe, receiving numerous awards and honours, including the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award. His contributions to music extend beyond performance—his innovative compositions and collaborations with artists from different genres have enriched the world of music immeasurably.

A Serendipitous Encounter at Delhi Airport

While returning today from Ranchi to Baghdad, Jagrata and Judhajit accompanied me to Delhi. As we were exiting Indira Gandhi International Airport, I had a surreal moment—I walked right past Ustad Amjad Ali Khan near the exit gate! It was a dream come true, as I have been an ardent admirer of his music since childhood.

I noticed someone approaching him for an autograph, and he graciously obliged. Gathering my courage, I stepped forward, though I was so starstruck that words failed me. I simply handed him my notebook and pen. He smiled warmly, asked my name, and signed his autograph. I thanked him and expressed my deep admiration for his music, to which he responded with kind words and best wishes.

Judhajit, who didn’t have a notebook handy, quickly improvised by offering the back of his ticket. Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, ever so generous, signed that as well, making our day even more special.

A Memory to Cherish Forever

This encounter brought back memories of the first time I attended his concert in Kolkata with my friend Bhaswar during our training days. That night remains etched in my mind—not just because of the mesmerizing music, but also because of the adventure that followed. Due to a taxi strike, we had to walk all the way to Sealdah station from Shakespeare Sarani to catch the last train to Ultadanga. At that time, we were staying in Lake Town, close to Ultadanga station. That experience, like today, was truly unforgettable.

Meeting Ustad Amjad Ali Khan in person reinforced my admiration for not just his musical genius, but also his humility and kindness. If you ever get the opportunity to watch him perform live, don’t miss it! He is a living legend and a national treasure.