The soulful resonance of the sarod will soon echo through the historic arches of Lalbagh Fort as Siraj Ali Khan, scion of one of the most illustrious lineages in Indian classical music, returns to Dhaka for a special performance honouring his great-great-grandfather, the legendary Ustad Alauddin Khan—composer, multi-instrumentalist, and founder of the revered Maihar Gharana.
Organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the classical evening—scheduled for next Wednesday—marks the 164th birth anniversary of Ustad Alauddin Khan, a towering figure whose musical legacy shaped generations, including his world-famous disciples Ravi Shankar and Ali Akbar Khan.
Siraj Ali Khan, grandson of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and son of the late Professor Dhanesh Khan, will take centre stage with a solo sarod recital steeped in the intricate ragas and emotive depth of his ancestral tradition. Joining him will be a new generation of Bangladeshi classical talents, symbolising a living bridge between heritage and contemporary artistry.
Born into music, Siraj began learning the sarod at just five years old under his father’s guidance. He later trained under his grandfather Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, uncle Ustad Ashish Khan, and aunt Amena Khan, absorbing the nuanced techniques and spiritual discipline that define the Maihar style.
This will be his second major appearance in Dhaka, following the acclaimed “Melodious Journey of Siraj Ali Khan” concert in 2022, organised by the Satori Academy of Arts.
The event is part of a broader national initiative to celebrate Bangladesh’s cultural icons and global musical legacies with fresh, engaging programming. Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki announced on Facebook that similar tributes—such as the recent birthday homage to legendary playback singer Sabina Yasmin—have been met with enthusiastic public response.
“These are not just ceremonial events,” Farooki emphasised. “We’re curating experiences that resonate with audiences—starting locally, but with an eye toward international stature. The Shilpakala Academy is developing a dynamic calendar to ensure these celebrations remain vibrant, relevant, and deeply moving.”
As twilight settles over Lalbagh Fort—a 17th-century Mughal monument steeped in history—the notes of the sarod will weave through its courtyards, offering not just a concert, but a meditative dialogue between past and present, East and eternal.
For lovers of classical music, it promises to be an evening where time slows, and legacy sings.