The power of two
Ayaan and I have been playing together since we were six years old under Abba’s guidance (Amjad Ali Khan), but the interesting part is that we began by playing solo till we discovered the “power of two”. And then there was no looking back!
I think it is not just the fact that we were born to the same parents that binds us together, but also the enormous respect that I have for Ayaan as a musician, that makes me always look up to him. I may be two years older, but he is the truly talented one amongst us. I have no qualms in admitting this, as I know how passionate he is about the sarod.
But that doesn’t mean we don’t have our share of bickering and on stage, we have had disagreements many times about the way a particular raga should be played. The beauty of disagreements between blood brothers is that it ends in a better performance! So, I would say that even though we may be different personalities, we complement each other beautifully by filling that unknown empty space. I think my parents have never interfered in our fights or taken sides and have given us the complete freedom to steer our relationship in the right direction.
In fact, many times when I see Ayaan rehearsing for a show, and I feel that he is flirting with a raga too much or if I am doing the same, we often correct each other, but it is done with brotherly love and no ill-will, and I think that is what has made our bond stronger. The niyat is positive. I like to surround myself with people who make me feel special and loved, and Ayaan tops this list. Interestingly, even if we want to go solo, which I must clarify we don’t intend to, people won’t appreciate us as much as they do now. The branding as the “two brothers” has become too strong. Plus, I admire the fact that Ayaan is good at understanding people, his maturity has got him a fabulous life partner in Neema, who is like my little sister (she is eight years younger than me).
Ayaan and Neema are extremely protective about me and they want me to find a nice girl to settle down with. Earlier it was just my mom, but now Ayaan has joined them! However, I do believe that when the time is right it will happen. The person should be able to adjust within my family, like Neema has managed to, effortlessly. I think the dignity with which Neema handles the relationship is fabulous, she is very well spoken and is very committed to the family. I think what I have learnt most from Ayaan is how to stay together, be responsible and love each other no matter how many obstacles life puts in your path.
As told to Asmita Aggarwal
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