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Renowned classical musician Ustad Fateh Ali Khan, at the age of 73, is pushing for the revival of classical singing.

Mr Khan is a recipient of the Pride of Performance award. He and his brother became childhood celebrities in the Indian subcontinent prior to partition.

Their younger generation, such as Ustad Sultan Fateh Ali Khan and Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan are also renowned performers.

Mr Khan currently runs his own classical music academy in Islamabad and also lectures students at various institutions. Dawn sat down with him to discuss the future of classical music in Pakistan.

Q: What is the future of classical singing in the modern age?

A: The future of the classical music is very bright as people have turned to their traditions, and most people like classical music rather than the fast music. Classical music classes have made students aware of the basics of subcontinent’s music. The government should open academies where the masters can teach students this music, and should act as a patron to classic singers bringing traditions forward.

Q: Is the youth taking an interest in learning classical music?

A: [It is]. With the arrival of new technology, the new generation has seen the developments in classical music in India and they turned to classical singing to learn about the art in the country. I have been taking daily classes at different institutions, including the Shalimar Recording Company. It is my desire to teach the new generation what I know. Practice makes perfect, and [one must] practice the right sur.

Q: What are the differences between older and younger generations when it comes to learning music?

A: The younger generation is more talented and they understand the basics of the music without any trouble. The important thing is interest. If you take an interest, it will be easy to learn the difficult things as well.

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2016