We have planned a series of sessions based on rarely heard recordings of the sitar maestro, Vilayat Khan (1927 –2004), which were specially recorded for NCPA's archives during 1976-1979, where the maestro speaks at length about his forefathers and their style, and chronicles his own journey with ample demonstrations.

Vilayat Khan was born in Gauripur (now in Bangladesh) in a family of outstanding musicians: his grandfather Imdad Khan and father Inayat Khan were the most celebrated surbahar and sitar players of their time. A child prodigy, Vilayat Khan went on to become one of the most influential instrumentalists of the 20th century. His distinctive gayaki ang (vocalised style) made his sitar “sing”, and is probably the most widely followed sitar style today.

The first session covered his great ancestors, specially his grandfather, Imdad Khan. In the second session the subject continues, also alluding to his contemporaries. The session will conclude with a performance of raga Puriya by Vilayat Khan.

This session is curated by Arvind Parikh who has had the privilege of training with Vilayat Khan. The close association lasting over six decades has given him an insight in to the subtleties and repertoire of the Etawah Imdadkhani gharana.