About Ustad Sultan Khan

Ustad Sultan Khan was born on 15 April 1940 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. He came from a distinguished family of sarangi musicians. His father, Ustad Gulab Khan, was his principal teacher, and Sultan Khan learned the sarangi from him from an early age.

He belonged to the Sikar Gharana tradition and was regarded as one of the most accomplished sarangi players of his generation. He began performing publicly at a very young age and gave his first major performance at approximately 11 years old.

Early Musical Career

Sultan Khan began his professional career with All India Radio, Rajkot, in 1960. He later moved to Mumbai, where he became involved with both the Indian classical music scene and the Hindi film industry.

His exceptional command of the sarangi and his ability to reproduce the nuances of the human voice made his playing particularly distinctive. He was also an accomplished classical vocalist.

Sarangi Maestro

Ustad Sultan Khan is widely remembered for helping establish the sarangi as a respected solo concert instrument.

Traditionally, the sarangi was frequently used to accompany vocalists. Sultan Khan demonstrated that it could also serve as a powerful solo instrument capable of expressing the subtle emotional qualities of Hindustani classical music.

His style combined technical mastery with an intensely vocal quality, leading musicians and critics to describe his sarangi as almost "singing."

Classical Singing

Although he is best known as a sarangi player, Sultan Khan was also an accomplished Hindustani classical vocalist.

His vocal recordings included the album Sabras, which became particularly respected among listeners of Indian classical and vocal music.

He also recorded ghazals, folk-influenced music and fusion projects, demonstrating his versatility beyond traditional instrumental performances.

Film Music

Ustad Sultan Khan made important contributions to Indian film music.

His sarangi can be heard in the soundtrack of Gandhi (1982), particularly in the emotionally powerful scenes surrounding Mahatma Gandhi's assassination and funeral.

He also contributed to films including:

• Gandhi (1982)
• Heat and Dust (1983)
• Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)
• Matrubhoomi: A Nation Without Women (2003)
• Yogi (2009)

“Piya Basanti Re�

One of Ustad Sultan Khan's most widely recognized recordings is “Piya Basanti Re.�

The song became particularly popular through his collaboration with K. S. Chithra and helped introduce his distinctive voice and musical style to a much wider contemporary audience.

He was also remembered for “Albela Sajan�, another celebrated recording associated with his vocal work. India Today described him as the soulful voice behind both “Piya Basanti Re� and “Albela Sajan.�

Collaboration with Ravi Shankar

Ustad Sultan Khan collaborated with legendary sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar.

In 1974, he accompanied Ravi Shankar during George Harrison's Dark Horse World Tour, which helped bring his music to international audiences.

His international performances established him as an important representative of Indian classical music outside India.

Tabla Beat Science

Sultan Khan was one of the founding members of Tabla Beat Science, an Indian fusion project involving Zakir Hussain and Bill Laswell.

The project combined Indian classical traditions with contemporary world music and electronic influences. It demonstrated Sultan Khan's willingness to explore musical forms beyond conventional classical performance.

Popular Recordings

Some notable recordings and albums associated with Ustad Sultan Khan include:

• Piya Basanti Re
• Albela Sajan
• Sabras
• Sarangi: The Music of India
• Sarangi and Tabla
• Jamuna – River of Joy
• Sonorous Sound of Sarangi
• Ragas Kaushi Kannada & Bhairvi
• Maru Bihag
• Ras – Mohini

Awards and Honours

Ustad Sultan Khan received several major honours for his contribution to Indian classical music.

Major Awards

• Sangeet Natak Akademi Award — 1992
• American Academy of Artists Award — 1998
• Padma Bhushan — 2010
• Gold Medalist Award of Maharashtra
• Other honours for his contribution to Indian classical and world music

The Padma Bhushan, awarded in 2010, was one of India's highest civilian recognitions for his contribution to music.

Musical Style

Ustad Sultan Khan was known for:

• Hindustani classical music
• Sarangi performance
• Classical vocals
• Ghazal and semi-classical music
• Rajasthani musical influences
• Indian fusion music
• Film music
• Expressive and vocal-like sarangi playing

His playing was particularly admired for its emotional depth and melodic quality.

Contribution to Indian Music

Ustad Sultan Khan occupies an important place in the history of the sarangi. Through solo concerts, recordings, film music and international collaborations, he helped demonstrate the instrument's extraordinary expressive potential.

His work also connected traditional Hindustani classical music with film music and international fusion. His collaborations with Ravi Shankar, Zakir Hussain and other leading musicians helped introduce his artistry to audiences around the world.

Death

Ustad Sultan Khan died on 27 November 2011 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, at the age of 71. Reports stated that he had been suffering from prolonged health problems and died after kidney failure.

His funeral was held in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, the city with which his musical family was closely associated.

Birth Details

Full Name: Ustad Sultan Khan
Profession: Sarangi Player, Hindustani Classical Vocalist, Composer
Date of Birth: 15 April 1940
Birth Place: Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Gharana: Sikar Gharana
Instrument: Sarangi
Years Active: 1960–2009
Date of Death: 27 November 2011
Place of Death: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Age at Death: 71 years