Vilayat Khan, Indian sitar player and composer (b. 1928)

Ustad Vilayat Khan: The Voice of the Sitar

Ustad Vilayat Khan, born on August 28, 1928, was an undisputed titan of Indian classical music, an extraordinary sitar player whose innovations forever changed the landscape of the instrument. His illustrious career, spanning over seven decades, concluded with his passing on March 13, 2004, leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled artistry and profound musical insight. Khan Sahib, as he was affectionately known, wasn't just a performer; he was a visionary who reimagined the sitar's capabilities, making it sing with the emotive power of the human voice.

Early Life and a Rich Musical Lineage

Hailing from a family deeply entrenched in the rich tradition of Hindustani classical music, Ustad Vilayat Khan inherited his musical genius. His grandfather, Imdad Khan, and father, Enayat Khan, were both legendary sitar players, pioneers of what is known as the Imdadkhani or Etawah Gharana. This lineage provided a fertile ground for young Vilayat, who began his musical journey at an incredibly tender age. It was clear from his earliest days that he possessed a prodigious talent, destined to carry forward and even elevate his family's esteemed tradition.

The Revolutionary 'Gayaki Ang'

Perhaps Ustad Vilayat Khan's most significant contribution to the world of sitar playing was the creation and masterful development of the gayaki ang. This revolutionary technique, whose literal translation means "singing style," was a conscious and incredibly successful attempt to mimic the nuances, inflections, and emotional depth of the human voice on the sitar. Prior to this, the sitar, while melodic, didn't quite capture the vocal agility and pathos in the same way. Along with his father, Enayat Khan, and later his brother Imrat Khan, Vilayat Khan refined this approach, allowing the sitar to express a wider range of emotions, from the most delicate whisper to a soaring crescendo, making the instrument profoundly more expressive and relatable to listeners.

A Lifetime of Performance and Recordings

Vilayat Khan's career began remarkably early; he recorded his very first 78-RPM disc at the astonishing age of just six years old. This early start foreshadowed a career of immense longevity and prolific output. His concerts were legendary, drawing vast audiences who were captivated by his soulful renditions and technical brilliance. He performed across the globe, bringing the beauty of Indian classical music to international stages. His final concert, a testament to his enduring passion and skill, took place in 2004, shortly before his passing, at the age of 75. Throughout his life, his recordings became cherished treasures, preserving his unique interpretations of ragas and his innovative gayaki ang.

Beyond the Concert Hall: A Film Composer

While primarily known as a sitar player, Ustad Vilayat Khan also ventured into the realm of film, lending his musical genius as a composer. He composed enchanting scores for several notable films, enriching their narratives with his distinctive style. Among his acclaimed works were the music for Satyajit Ray's Jalsaghar (The Music Room) in 1958, the internationally co-produced film The Guru in 1969, and Kadambari in 1976. A particularly significant moment in his film career was his involvement with Kadambari, where he famously gave a crucial opportunity to a then-newcomer, Kavita Krishnamurthy. This collaboration marked her very first song in her illustrious career, a testament to Khan Sahib's discerning ear and generosity in nurturing new talent.

FAQs about Ustad Vilayat Khan

Who was Ustad Vilayat Khan?
Ustad Vilayat Khan was a legendary Indian classical sitar player, widely recognized for his profound innovations, particularly the development of the 'gayaki ang' or singing style on the sitar.
When was Ustad Vilayat Khan born and when did he pass away?
He was born on August 28, 1928, and passed away on March 13, 2004.
What is 'gayaki ang'?
Gayaki ang is a revolutionary sitar playing technique pioneered by Ustad Vilayat Khan and his family, which aims to emulate the intricate and emotive vocal style of Hindustani classical singing on the sitar, making the instrument sound like a human voice.
What films did Ustad Vilayat Khan compose music for?
He composed music for several films, including the acclaimed Jalsaghar (1958), The Guru (1969), and Kadambari (1976).
What was his connection to Kavita Krishnamurthy?
In the film Kadambari, Ustad Vilayat Khan gave the renowned playback singer Kavita Krishnamurthy her first professional singing opportunity, composing the music for her debut song.
From which musical lineage (Gharana) did he hail?
He belonged to the distinguished Imdadkhani or Etawah Gharana, a lineage renowned for its sitar and surbahar players, including his grandfather Imdad Khan and father Enayat Khan.