This Republic Day, well-known sitarist Hidayat Khan, son of the legendary Ustad Vilayat Khan, will unveil his rendition of the national anthem. Over the years, many singers and instrumentalists have released their own musical version of ‘Jana Gana Mana’ on August 15 and January 26, each time it creates a deep resonance in the hearts of listeners. Hidayat He will be accompanied on the tabla by Avirodh Sharma.
In an interview, the sitar exponent talks the emotional and creative urge behind the making of this track.
How was the experience of working on this track?
For most of us, the national anthem brings alive memories of our school days. Singing it in the morning assembly was part of the routine. But I began to relate to it differently, when I was once invited to perform it at an event in New York. And I realised how the values embedded in the anthem have shaped the lives of not just those living in India but also the ones like me living abroad.
Releasing this piece on Republic Day is symbolic. Do you have a specific message to convey?
In my music, I always try to tell a story. Today’s world is so different from the one I grew up in, yet India remains a unique blend of cultures, languages, and religions that co-exist and celebrate each other. I wanted Jana Gana Mana to capture that spirit — starting with a traditional alaap to ground it in classical music, followed by a rhythmic section reflecting India’s vibrant energy and chaos. The piece ends with my solo rendition of the anthem, symbolising that we stand united as one nation despite our differences. That, to me, is the essence of ‘Jana Gana Mana’ — it is India’s voice, a collective identity that transcends boundaries.
What is special about your version?
Most of the earlier versions were a blend of different genres, this one is totally from the perspective of Indian classical music. Once this concept was clear, everything fell into place. I invited Avirodh to the studio, and we worked together without scripting anything beyond the anthem. Everything else was improvised, with no edits — just like a live Indian classical performance. The sitar reflects the emotions in the song but doesn’t mimic the exact melody. It is abstract, yet it gradually builds to the anthem’s powerful conclusion.
‘Jana Gana Mana’ is a simple melody, was adapting it to a classical instrument like the sitar challenging?
Sometimes, the most iconic music is also the simplest. What I find beautiful about ‘Jana Gana Mana’ is how it resonates on different levels — whether sung by a child or performed in a more complex arrangement. I didn’t face any challenges in adapting it. I had a fantastic team around me, from Hrishi, who helped visualise the video, to Naad, who helped produce the track. We focused on keeping the sitar and tabla organic, preserving their purity while integrating them into the arrangement.
Hidayat with father Ustad Vilayat Khan
| Photo Credit:
The Hindu Archives
How does your family’s musical legacy influence your approach, particularly in projects like this? Does it play a role in your creative process?
Everything I am, musically and personally, is shaped by both my parents. My father, of course, had a major influence on my musical path, but my mother’s sensibilities shaped me in ways I hadn’t even realised until later. My father always emphasised that music should reflect life’s experiences — joys and struggles. As a musician, that’s how I communicate: through the emotions and stories that life has given me. My legacy isn’t just about the past; it is about continuing that journey with the experiences I’ve gained.
How do you integrate yours skills as a sitarist and vocalist?
We were taught to sing before playing an instrument, and to this day, when I compose or practice, I do so vocally first. In the gayaki style, the sitar essentially becomes the voice — it must express the same inflections, dynamics, and emotions that a vocalist would. When you sing, your voice reflects your mood — angry, happy, calm — which I try to replicate on the sitar. For example, our gharana’s sitar playing is known for its dynamic tonal range, making it much more expressive than a monotone sound.
Coming from a family of musicians, what life philosophies have you inherited apart from musical talent?
One of the most important lessons I learned growing up was humility. I’ve had the privilege of meeting many great musicians, and what stood out to me most was their constant desire to learn. Even as legends, they always felt there was more to discover. That mindset has stayed with me — regardless of how far I go in my career, I know it’s an ongoing journey.
How do you view the future of classical music? Is there hope for instruments like the sitar?
The number of sitar players has grown significantly. While there are challenges, especially with the misrepresentation of music in the digital age, I see an increasing interest in classical music, particularly among younger people. However, there’s a real need for more support from corporates, the government, and the media to ensure that musicians preserving the purity of classical traditions are properly recognised and supported. While the future holds both opportunities and challenges, I remain hopeful — there’s a lot of talent out there, and the desire to keep classical music alive is stronger than ever.
Published – January 21, 2025 04:01 pm IST
