• Home
• /
• Entertainment

'Don't call me Dr Amjad Ali Khan'

Rabindra Bharti University of Kolkata with its highest honour, the Honorary D.Litt.

This is to be done at a glittering ceremony at the residence of the university's founder, Rabindranath Tagore, on May 8.

Unfortunately, Amjad Ali Khan will be travelling at that point, so his wife Subhalakshmi will accept the honour on his behalf.

This is the fifth time that the classical musician has been bestowed with such high respect from different universities across the world.

Would he like to be known as Dr Amjad Ali Khan or Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan is the question now.

"I may personally not be comfortable with certain titles especially when my name appears after them, but people have every right to address me as what they want. My name alone sounds very besura to my ears, I am not used to it," the legendary musician laughed.

He added, "Often I get letters addressing me as Dr Amjad Ali Khan, but since I am accepted and being revered as Ustad and Khansaab by countrymen for such a long time, I am comfortable with that."

However, the maestro laments the increasingly 'loss of culture and values' in the youngsters today.

"Schools, including the so-called distinguished ones, are also tilting towards everything West. It's damaging. Just Hi and Bye isn't enough, students should be taught the importance of namaskar, adaab, and to touch elders' feet. It's all sign of utmost reverence and respect," he said.

That apart, Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan is now planning to sit back and relax, at least in his personal life. Both his sons, Aaman and Ayaan, are settling down soon.

"My wife and I were feeling bad that we couldn't find girls for our sons as we are always travelling. But we are so happy that they found their own partners. They are sweet girls from good families," he said.