Tuesday, October 10, 2006

On a docu-film on Ustad Vilayat Khan: Interview

By Piyali Dasgupta - The Times of India - Straight Answers
Calcutta, Monday, 13 March, 2006

Zila Khan, Sufi singer, on making a documentary film on her father, Ustad Vilayat Khan.

You have made a docu-film on your father, Ustad Vilayat Khan...

I attribute my success to my late father, Ustad Vilayat Khan. It's his values that remain embedded in my heart. On his second death anniversary, I plan to release a docu-film called Spirit to Soul, which is a tribute to my father. It traces his life's journey and also talks about the inspiration that I continue to receive from him.

How did you feel when your father refused to let you sing in public?

At that time I was 12 and I asked my father's permission to sing on stage. He just refused. I belong to a conservative Muslim family in which women were not allowed to step out of their homes.
Singing in public was a complete no-no. I refused to consider that as the end of the road.

So how did your father finally agree?

I continued with my riyaz at home. In the meanwhile, I also got to assist my father in his concerts. When I came of age, my father decided it was time for me to get married. Actually, he was looking for a way out for me. So, he found me a boy Dr Khalim Anwar who wouldn't mind his wife singing on stage.
And then, just six days after my wedding, my father held a special ceremony, Gandha Bandhan, to make me his shaagird and told me to do 10 hours of riyaz everyday.

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Tuesday, October 10, 2006

On a docu-film on Ustad Vilayat Khan: Interview
By Piyali Dasgupta - The Times of India - Straight Answers
Calcutta, Monday, 13 March, 2006

Zila Khan, Sufi singer, on making a documentary film on her father, Ustad Vilayat Khan.

You have made a docu-film on your father, Ustad Vilayat Khan...

I attribute my success to my late father, Ustad Vilayat Khan. It's his values that remain embedded in my heart. On his second death anniversary, I plan to release a docu-film called Spirit to Soul, which is a tribute to my father. It traces his life's journey and also talks about the inspiration that I continue to receive from him.

How did you feel when your father refused to let you sing in public?

At that time I was 12 and I asked my father's permission to sing on stage. He just refused. I belong to a conservative Muslim family in which women were not allowed to step out of their homes.
Singing in public was a complete no-no. I refused to consider that as the end of the road.

So how did your father finally agree?

I continued with my riyaz at home. In the meanwhile, I also got to assist my father in his concerts. When I came of age, my father decided it was time for me to get married. Actually, he was looking for a way out for me. So, he found me a boy Dr Khalim Anwar who wouldn't mind his wife singing on stage.
And then, just six days after my wedding, my father held a special ceremony, Gandha Bandhan, to make me his shaagird and told me to do 10 hours of riyaz everyday.

No comments: