Ustad Sabri Khan of Moradabad Gharana was instrumental in introducing the sarangi to audiences of the world. His son, Kamal Sabri, is earnestly trying to popularise it.
Through live performances, Kamal makes continuous attempts to keep people’s interest alive. The upcoming SaMaPa Sangeet Sammelan at Kamani Auditorium is an effort in the same direction. While his forefathers brought the sarangi to the courtyard of kings, Kamal is bringing it closer to the masses.
This seventh generation representative of the Sabri family didn’t think twice before joining the rich lineage he was born into. “It’s the best decision I’ve made,” he says with a soft smile.
Other well-known artistes are part of the festival too. Mehtab Ali Niazi on sirat, Romaan Khan on tabla, Zakir Dholpuri on harmonium, Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar on dhrupad and vocals, Mohan Shyam Sharma on pakhawaj and several others share the stage with Kamal. “The fact that this is predominantly a music festival makes it all the more significant. It will attract the large community of music lovers,” says the musician, who started learning at the age of five. His son Abdul Ahad has begun even earlier, at the age of one.
Kamal’s music is not meant for mere entertainment. It’s suppose to heal. His life would be meaningful if his music made people happy at a deeper level than just momentary pleasure of watching a performance, he believes. He wants to serve people through his knowledge, just like Pandit Bhajan Sopori and his son Abhay Rustum Sopori, who are presenting SaMaPa Sangeet Sammelan from Jammu and Kashmir. “They perform in Central jails, schools and colleges in the state to encourage the idea of securing peace through music. My father held the same vision and worked towards making people feel better through his talent, and I am humbly following his lead,” he says.
December 2-4, at Kamani Auditorium, Copernicus Marg, at 6:30 pm.