Localturnon Artist - SHARIQ KHAN (Udaipur)

  

Shariq Khan Ji from Udaipur is the inventor of the Sarodani Veena ® which he has produced after almost twelve years of experimenting with different styles and forms. His invention is a confluence of Guitar and the Sarod. He is a great exponent of Indian Classical Music and even trains his sons in Tabla. 

He has been learning music since the age of 9 and hopes to make a difference in people’s lives through his invention and music.

Localturnon gets up-close and personal with him to know him better and trace his journey in Music. Below are the extracts of the interview. Read on.

#localturnon: What is the history to your taking up Music? How did it come into being, your journey?

#ShariqKhan: I started learning music when I was just 9 years old. My father knew that I had an affinity for music and maybe saw a talent in me and I started to learn music with Hawaiian Guitar from Mr. Narayan Swami in Udaipur. After that I learnt Guitar from my other Guru Mr. Patti Khan Saheb. I have been playing ever since.

But I have always wanted to do something new in music and I am happy that I could contribute through my invention of the SARODANI VEENA ® after a long and hard Journey (smiling)

#localturnon: So who are your favourites/ Icons/ Role Models in the field of music? 

#ShariqKhan: My favourite icons in Music include Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pt. Vishva Mohan Bhatt, Lata Mangeshkar Ji, Sonu Nigam and Ustad Zakir Hussian.

#localturnon: How do rejuvenate your creative insights / get the adrenalin going?

#ShariqKhan: I have this philosophy and outlook that makes me question “why not” and its not only music but in all aspects of my life. I believe that anything is possible. I like to be constantly challenged in my work and that notion inspires me to take on new projects and new ideas. (he says this smiling)

#localturnon: Does your Music carry a message / a theme or a story? If so can you share more on it?

#ShariqKhan: Definitely, I love to convey a message through my music and that is “Please play the music not an instrument” and always be creative to do something different..something of your own. Music should always comes out from our soul. If we speak the voice of our soul that is true voice and if we play music from our soul then I believe that is real true music.

#localturnon: Of all the performances you’ve given, which is your favourite one and why?

#ShariqKhan: There is this interesting episode that happened when I performed in the UK. It was my first performance with my new invention the Sarodani Veena ® in a big International Music Festival ( Llangollen). I was playing alone with my ® Sarodani Veena as there was no Tabla Player with me.

I had to play for 30 minutes and when I finished my performance and said thanks nobody replied and no one clapped! I was very shocked and was left wondering what had happened? It was then that the festival director came up to me and said “Shariq Ji, Please keep playing. They are totally engrossed in the music”. I then continued to play for almost an hour for them. It was after I finally ended my performance that I got a standing ovation from my listeners. It continues to be one of my most memorable performances and I won’t ever forget those moments.

#localturnon: Do you have any interesting fan stories to tell?

#ShariqKhan: Very often I perform as part of my Meditation Show “DELETE UR STRESS”. This show is designed for small groups of about 20 or 25 people. And its funny because sometimes people actually fall asleep in my show and start snoring too. (laughing)

I think its because Music has that power to help you relax and stay calm that too if it’s a meditation / soothing kind of music.

And as it happened in one of my shows when people started snoring, my show got labelled as “Snoring Show”. Everybody was laughing that day but then laughing is good for health too he says with a chuckle.

#localturnon: Of all the music you’ve created, which is your favourite one and why?

#ShariqKhan: I love all kind of music…It can be Ragas or songs….but I always love to play on my ® Sarodani Veena the tune “Sare Jahan Se Acchha Hindunstan Hamara”. There is something about the song and tune that I just love. And there is a sense of pride of being an Indian. I think maybe this is why I love it so much.

#localturnon: Can you share about some funny incident that happened on-stage / during performance / with you or the other artists / stage members?

#ShariqKhan: : We were backstage during one of the performances when I felt a very prominent Artist touching my feet. I can’t reveal his name here but I was surprised and I guess in the spur of the moment blessed him too.

When he realized this he remarked “Shariq, Thanks. Actually  I was just collecting my keys from ground” This is one incidence that we always share in our groups. (laughing)

#localturnon: How has the musical journey been so far for you and what are you looking forward to now?

#ShariqKhan: I started learning music when I was just 9 years. I did learn many different instruments. But always I was looking for my own instrument which I wanted to make it myself with the belief that it will bring out my soul music. A musical instrument with deep soothing sound and beautiful looking as well. I worked hard for nearly twelve years experimenting with different shapes and ideas.

I feel satisfied that I have been able to realize my dream and believe that this musical instrument with a lovely sound and eye-catching look will help me make even beautiful music. I have named my new invention ® SARODANI VEENA. I think it will help bring peace to me and also through the music that is produced through it to the people who listen.

#localturnon: Do you have any words of advice for youngsters who are thinking of getting into this line?

#ShariqKhan: Youngsters are very much attracted to music. While this is very nice but everyone wants to become a star in a very short time. My own opinion is that this outlook is not right and needs to change. If I were to convey my message to young artists in this field it would be just one thing “Riyaz Karo Aur Raj Karo”.

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