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Hidayat Khan EXCLUSIVE: Sitar Maestro Opens Up On His New 'Jana Gana Mana' Rendition, Father's Legacy & More
Hidayat Khan Exclusive Interview On New Rendition Of Jana Gana Mana: Sitar Maestro Hidayat Hussain Khan's latest soulful rendition of 'Jana Gana Mana', produced by Ayon Ghosh (Naad), also features tabla exponent Avirodh Sharma and imagery created by filmmaker Hrishi Shah, will reignite the patriotism in you. It was the perfect Republic Day gift from the Sitar star Hidayat Khan, son of the late legend Vilayat Khan. In an exclusive conversation with Filmibeat, the eminent Sitar maestro and composer opened up on the inspiration behind the latest rendition of our National Anthem, his father's legacy, the unmissable influence of Hindustani classical music on Bollywood songs and more...
Here are excerpts from the interview:
1) What was your inspiration behind the new soulful rendition of 'Jana Gana Mana'?
The inspiration behind my soulful rendition of Janaganamana stems from the values, traditions, and rich heritage that I have grown up with. The anthem is an iconic masterpiece with a timeless melody and deeply meaningful lyrics, which demand the utmost care and respect when reinterpreting it. I wanted to honor its essence while bringing a personal touch, so I turned to my roots in Indian classical music. This perspective allowed me to infuse the rendition with both authenticity and depth, which I believe is what truly defines its character.
2) What went behind making the new rendition? How was the atmosphere like inside the recording room while collaborating with other music maestros?
To approach this iconic composition, I first had to decide how to interpret it. I noticed that many recent renditions had a Western influence, so I chose to stay true to my roots and embrace a traditional perspective. Drawing from my heritage, I aimed to create a rendition that reflected the soul of Indian classical music.
Once that vision was clear, we went into the studio-myself and my tabla player, Avirudh Sharma-and recorded it live, just like a performance, with no edits or retakes. We started with an alap, followed by a jor where the tabla joined in, and then I sang the composition. I'm incredibly fortunate to have an amazing team, including Avirudh, Rishi, and Naad, who supported the concept beautifully. Their dedication made this rendition truly special, and I'm thrilled with what we created together.
3) Your father, Ustad Vilayat Khan, was a legend. What was the most important quality that you learnt from him as a musician that you would like to pass on to the new generation?
My father, Ustad Vilayat Khan, was a true legend in the world of music. One of the most important qualities I learned from him was the pursuit of true artistry-never compromising on authenticity and always striving for depth in every note. He taught me that music is not merely about technical mastery, but about conveying emotion and connecting deeply with your audience. This sense of honesty and dedication is something I carry with me in everything I do.
He also emphasized that music is a lifelong journey, not a destination. The sooner you stop chasing a fixed goal and instead embrace every aspect of the musical journey, the more fulfilling and meaningful the experience becomes. This perspective is something I hope to pass on to the next generation of musicians: to respect their roots, be true to themselves, and enjoy the adventure of making music.
4) Did your father's legacy influence your interest in music?
Absolutely, 100%. My father's legacy had a profound influence on my interest in music. He not only introduced me to the depth of Indian classical music and the great maestros of our tradition, but also exposed me to music from across the globe. I feel incredibly fortunate that, because of his legacy, I had the opportunity to spend time with some of the greatest maestros in the world. These experiences have been instrumental in shaping who I am as a musician today.
5) What's your take on the Hindustani classical influence on Bollywood songs in the past few years?
Indian classical music is the foundation of all music originating from India, and this includes Bollywood songs. Over the years, Bollywood music has certainly been influenced by Indian classical music in various ways. For any musician, having a deep understanding of this tradition is essential. The most iconic and timeless Bollywood songs are often those composed by artists with a profound knowledge of Indian classical music. This rich heritage has shaped the soundscape of Indian cinema, ensuring that many songs continue to resonate with audiences, even decades later.
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