‘It didn’t feel like a heavy responsibility, but a harmonious experience’
In an exclusive conversation with The Pioneer, sitar virtuoso Hidayat Khan opened up about the profound personal journey behind his rendition of the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana. As he revisited the anthem, Khan was transported back to his childhood in Dehradun, where memories of singing it in school flooded his mind. For him, this project is more than just a musical expression; it’s a heartfelt tribute to his heritage, a reflection of the values passed down by his family
Tejal Sinha
Republic Day holds a profound place in the heart of every Indian. It marks the birth of the Indian Republic, a day that honours the spirit of freedom and the adoption of the Indian Constitution. More than just a national holiday, it is a vibrant celebration of the unity that binds a nation so rich in diversity, where traditions, cultures, and languages converge to create a unique tapestry of shared identity. This year, the celebrations are set to be marked by a unique and poignant musical tribute. Renowned sitar virtuoso Hidayat Khan, son of the legendary Vilayat Khan, has released his deeply moving rendition of the Indian National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, on this very day. Infused with a soulful sitar alaap, resonant tabla rhythms and a powerful vocal solo, his interpretation is not only a tribute to India’s cultural heritage but also a deeply personal expression of nostalgia and reflection.
Recalling his emotional response to revisiting Jana Gana Mana, Khan shared how the project transported him back to his childhood. “The last time I sang Jana Gana Mana was in eighth grade in Dehradun. Revisiting it now brought back a flood of childhood memories. It’s amazing how music has the power to transport you-just playing it on the sitar instantly took me back to that warm, nostalgic, and carefree time. It was a deeply moving experience, filled with warmth and a sense of connection to my roots. I can vividly recall those icy mornings, rushing to school, and standing in the assembly to sing Jana Gana Mana,” Khan reminisced. “It’s a charming and heartwarming memory, a snapshot of life in a beautiful small town in India that shaped so much of my identity,” recalls the maestro in an exclusive chat with The Pioneer.
For him, this project was not just an artistic endeavor but also a reflection of the values he grew up with. He noted that despite living in New York for many years and traveling across the globe, the anthem symbolized the enduring principles that have shaped his life. “It didn’t feel like a heavy responsibility, but rather a peaceful and harmonious experience. Revisiting this deeply symbolic piece allowed me to reconnect with my roots and reflect on the values that continue to guide me even today.”
When asked about how he envisioned the anthem evolving through the sitar, an instrument so closely tied to his family’s legacy, he emphasized the personal nature of his approach. “The sitar is deeply connected to my emotions and my family’s heritage, so it felt like the most natural way to express how I see India. Everything I’ve learned-from my father, my forefathers, and the many gurus who have guided me-shapes how I communicate through my music. This piece is a reflection of all those influences coming together. I hope when people hear the anthem and watch the video, they can experience my journey and vision of India.”
Interestingly, Khan chose to keep the rendition deeply rooted in traditional Indian aesthetics rather than incorporating global influences. “I intentionally presented this rendition in the most organic and traditionally Indian way. The piece begins with an alaap, which unfolds the melody in a subtle and abstract manner. This is followed by the rhythmic section, which builds the mood, leading to the final vocal rendition of Jana Gana Mana. The predominant instruments and sounds are purely Indian, acoustic, and organic. The goal was to let the natural essence of our traditions take center stage.”
As the conversation shifts to the evolving landscape of music in today’s fast-paced world, he provides an insightful perspective on classical music’s role in preserving profound traditions like the anthem. In a time when music is often consumed in short snippets, he underscores the power of depth over length. “In today’s fast-paced world, where music is often consumed in snippets, it’s worth remembering that some of the greatest maestros of Indian classical music recorded on 78 rpm records, which were just three minutes long. Despite the brevity, those recordings had an unimaginable and profound impact, proving that it’s not the length of the piece but the depth of its expression that matters.”
Hidayat emphasizes the timeless power of classical music, stating, “Classical music, even within a short span, can encapsulate the essence of something as profound as the national anthem. It preserves the soul of the music, offering a moment of stillness and reflection amidst the noise of modern life. That’s the timeless power of classical music-it doesn’t just fill time; it transforms it.”
Turning to the cultural significance of his project, he hopes his rendition of Jana Gana Mana will spark a deeper conversation about India’s rich heritage. “My goal with this rendition is to showcase the beauty and emotional depth of acoustic Indian classical music and instruments. I hope listeners can connect with the sensibility and aesthetics we’ve woven into this piece. If it inspires people to reflect on India’s rich cultural and musical heritage, then I believe we’ve achieved something meaningful.”
One of the most daunting aspects of reimagining the anthem, according to Hidayat, was striking the delicate balance between honouring the anthem’s original essence and adding his own artistic touch. He explains, “The most challenging part was finding the right balance between honoring the anthem’s original essence and adding my own artistic interpretation. Jana Gana Mana is so deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness and carries immense cultural significance. As an artist, it was important to me that my rendition didn’t distort its meaning but rather presented it in a way that allowed for personal expression while still respecting its solemnity. It was a delicate task, ensuring that the music felt both authentic to the anthem and true to my own artistic voice.”
When asked how he ensured that his version would resonate with modern audiences while staying true to its origins, Hidayat expressed a refreshing view of musical appreciation. “I don’t see audiences as strictly modern or traditional, or defined by age. For me, there’s a certain aesthetic and sensibility that guides my music, and that’s the audience I aim to reach.” He further emphasizes that music transcends labels, offering something universal. “Whether someone is from a different tradition or age group, I believe that if they can connect to the vision and the emotion behind the music, the piece will resonate with them. It’s not about labels, but about creating something that speaks to the heart.”
Despite the weight of the project, Hidayat reveals that he didn’t experience moments of self-doubt or hesitation during the creative process. Once the vision for the rendition was clear, the work unfolded naturally. His deep connection with his father’s teachings also played a significant role in shaping this project. Reflecting on how his father’s influence continues to guide him, he notes, “Every time I hold my sitar, a part of my father’s spirit and teachings comes through. His contributions to the world of music are immeasurable, and there’s no way to engage with the sitar without being deeply inspired by him. His influence is embedded in everything I create, and that inspiration is always present, especially in a project as meaningful as this.”
As an artiste, Hidayat is keenly aware of the anthem’s significance as a unifying force in India’s culturally diverse landscape. “The beauty of India lies in its diversity,” he says thoughtfully adding, “It’s an extraordinary melting pot of cultures, where every 50 miles, the language, food, and traditions may change, yet we all live under the same umbrella. Despite these differences, when we come together and sing the national anthem, there’s a moment where all that diversity fades, and we are united-Indian at heart, soul, and body. The anthem becomes a powerful reminder of our shared identity and collective spirit.”
Reflecting on the deeper meaning behind his rendition, Hidayat shares that his team and he have poured their hearts and souls into this re-imagining of Jana Gana Mana. “Through it, we hope to convey the vast heritage and culture from which we come,” he says. “We want to reflect how we’ve evolved-absorbing influences from around the world while still preserving our roots.” The soul of the rendition, he believes, lies in its message of unity. “The soul we wish to bring to the anthem is one of unity: one soul, one message, one voice. It’s a celebration of diversity, embracing the world, and honoring humanity as a whole.”
