Classical concerts, albums and movies — Young musician Momin Khan loves to experiment with sound
Classical concerts, albums and movies — Young musician Momin Khan loves to experiment with sound
You can hear the melody of Momin Khan’s sarangi in the melodious song of ‘Jab Saiyan’ Gangubai Kathiawadi. Sung by Shreya Ghoshal with music by director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the 23-year-old composer considers himself lucky to work with Bhansali. Says Momin, “It is magical to see how he brings the songs to life through his melodies, which are a fine blend of folk and classical.” He is also part of the music team of Bhansali’s web series ‘Heera Mandi’, a period drama that explores the tales of courtiers. Momin is equally excited to get a chance to work with AR Rahman. “I can’t thank God enough for making my musical dreams come true.”
Momin was on the sets of ‘Indian Idol Junior’ when he got a call from Rahman’s studio. “This film was for Mili. Working with Rahman sahab is like learning important lessons in music. You understand the nuances of creativity. It’s amazing the way he envisions sound in myriad, unique ways.”
Belonging to a family of sarangi artists (he belongs to the eighth generation) belonging to the Jaipur gharana, Momin started playing this instrument in his childhood. “The mansion in which I grew up was the palace of that mansion. She constantly resonated with the sounds of sarangi, tabla and sitar. So I also found my calling in music,” says Momin. As a young sarangi artist, he wanted to popularize this instrument among the youth. He started posting videos on Instagram and Facebook.
“Encouraged by the response, almost every day I would play a piece and put it on. But my father Ustad Moinuddin Khan, who is also my mentor, didn’t know about it until I got an offer to play for a video recording of an independent album. Though my father didn’t look very happy, he allowed me to take it on the condition that I would not give up my family tradition and regular Riyaz. ,
musical walk
Momin Khan with Arijit Singh. , Photo Credit: Credits: Momin Khan
One proposal led to another and soon Momin was playing for most of the famous names in the Indian music industry, including Arijit Singh, Sonu Nigam, Shankar Mahadevan, Salim Suleman and Javed Ali. “As part of Arijit Singh’s band, I have been touring with him, performing in shows around the world. He is warm and friendly and it makes musical outings with him all the more enjoyable,” says Momin, who is awaiting the release of Salim-Sulaiman Ki Bhoomi, in which he has sung for Sonu Nigam’s vocals.
“Recognition is for the instrument. I want people to understand and appreciate its immense potential to fit themselves into any musical situation. Its 43 strings can form not only classical vocals, but such melodies.” It is one of the authentic Indian bowed string instruments that can beautifully convey the soul of music,” says Momin, who has performed abroad including the popular Durbar festival in London. Performed classical concerts, and conducted workshops on the violin in Russia.
Although the many projects he is a part of have received appreciation and opportunities at the very beginning of his musical journey, Momin works hard to continue his riyaaz. “Whenever I get time in between shoots or after wrap ups, I make it a point to practice. Today, if I am able to perform as per the demands of different projects, the credit goes to my father’s training. I remember that whenever I used to perform with him, he used to guide me on stage too, be it Harvallabh Utsav in Chandigarh, Sankat Mochan Utsav in Varanasi and Vasantotsav in Pune. These are precious moments in a disciple’s life,” says Momin Khan.