Ustad Amjad Ali Khan says intolerance exists everywhere, not just in India

The renowned sarod maestro was in Chennai recently to perform at IIT-M. Ustad Amjad Ali Khan's soothing concert seemed to be a balm for music lovers and those who suffered in the recent Chennai floods.

In an chat with News Today, the musician spoke about how Chennai has always had a special place in his heart. When he was specially asked about the issue of intolerance and the terrorist attacks in recent times, he replied, "As far as the issue of intolerance is concerned, I feel that it has been existing across the world and not just in India. We have great expectations from Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

He also spoke out about religion and how he and his family members feel connected to all religions. It is languages, he opined that created barriers among people. He told the daily, "All languages are man-made. But thank God I live in the world of sound. Through sound, I cannot manipulate. If I am out of tune, you will come to know. But language isn’t like that."

In November last year, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan had said that he saw nothing wrong in artists and writers returning their awards to the government. He had stated they were doing so only because they were pained about what was happening in the country.