Classical music the traditional music of the land is on decline in Pakistan. Few singers are left who are keeping the classical music alive and are doing all they can to promote it. Ustad Muhammad Akhtar Khan is one of them. Following in the footsteps of his father Ustad Malang Ali Khan and grandfather Ustad Ali Baksh Khan, Ustad Akhtar has devoted his life for classical music. He received training in classical singing from his father and later from Ustad Jaffar Khan and Ustad Shabbir Khan. He belongs to Sham Churasi Gharana and has been singing for the last 35 years. As a classical singer he has Kafi, Thumari and Dadra. In an exclusive interview with Sunday Plus Ustad Akhtar shared his views on the situation in the music industry and how the decline of classical music can be stopped.

Ustad Akhtar looking disturbed said that gone are the days when classical music ruled the roost and people would flock to the mehfils. “There is no patronage for the classical music singers. The institutions that were meant to promote traditional arts and music are ignoring the classical artistes.

“There was a time when Radio Pakistan used to offer programmes for classical music but for the last two years it has stopped airing such programmes. Similarly, PTV which is a state run institution now does not have any programme,” Ustad said sadly.

Ustad Akhtar is a regular performer in All Pakistan Music Conference and often performs in the musical functions held under the aegis of Alhamrah Art Council, Punjab Art Council and Pakistan National Council of the Arts. He also represented Pakistan in SAARC Conference in Agra in 2009.Ustad is recipient of many awards that include Bolan Cultural Award and Sangat Award. Ustad Akhtar has dedicated his whole life for classic music but unfortunately he never received recognition at the state level which he deserves. He had been nominated thrice for the highest civil award, ‘The Pride of Performance’ award for his services, but every year he had to face disappointment. This year again he was nominated for ‘Pride of Performance’ award. He was sad that his name was not in the final list. He hoped that someone at the helm of affairs might notice his services and recognise the importance of classical music in the society.

In an interview with Sunday Plus, Ustad Akhtar lamented the unsupportive attitude of the concerned authorities towards classical artists. “Our work is more demanding than doing PhD but unfortunately our services are not acknowledged.

“People talk about the evil in music but one should make it sure that there is no evil in classical music rather it is based on truth and cannot be snubbed. Classical singers are God gifted people who spend their lives for purity and essence of classical music,” he maintained.

Talking about the future of classical music in Pakistan, he emphasised that it should be promoted. “Foreign countries are paying special attention to the promotion of classic music whereas it is not happening in our country. And if the same attitude persists then time is not very far when we will have to hire foreigners to teach classical music, which is part of our rich cultural heritage,” Ustad angrily said.

“Classical music is a specific genre that has its technicalities, which need to be learned and this can only be done if artistes established in this field are ready to share their knowledge.

“I have made a teaching centre at Bhati Gate where I give proper training of classical music and raags. Only those students who are serious in learning this ancient art are given admission.

“I am not ready to spend time on students whose only intention is to improve their vocals and then leave classical music for fame and money,” Ustad Akhtar was of the view.

When asked about the difficulties that the classical singers are facing, he pointed towards the apathy of the concerned authorities. “Modern singers get more coverage on PTV and private channels. They are also asked for public performances and in return they are well paid, whereas the classical singers are ignored in this regard. We get neither any sort of coverage on media nor are we given offers to perform on TV channels,” Ustad Akhtar lamented.

On a query whether his children are following in his footsteps, he said his sons were not interested in classical music. “My children are not inclined towards singing. This is due to the fact that they have seen my plight. I have dedicated my life to classical music but financially I failed. I could not provide the same facilities to my children as others were easily able to. My children are of the view that if they follow in my footsteps it would be difficult for them to make both ends meet,” he said in a dejected voice.

Classical singing is losing its attraction among the young generation. The classical artistes like Ustad Akhtar are an asset for our country. Their services need to be recognised and acknowledged. It is high time the government started taking interest in promoting classical music, which is part of our rich cultural heritage.