Amaan and Ayaan refuse to accept Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2017

KOLKATA: Controversy has erupted over two recipients’ refusal to accept the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2017 that was announced on twitter by the Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) on Tuesday. The tweet mentioned that the general council of the Akademi has selected 34 (including two joint awards) artists of India who have made a mark as young talents in their respective fields of the performing arts for the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2017. Featured in this list as joint winners are Amaan Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Khan – both of who have refused to accept the award.

Reacting to the announcement, Amaan has tweeted saying: “While every award is a great achievement and an honour especially for an artist, we will not be able to accept the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Purskar for the Year 2017 in the field of Music which has been announced WITHOUT OUR CONSENT by Sangeet Natak Academy at this stage of our lives. After serving the world of music for over twenty five years, we have been very blessed to have received many rewards from music lovers but there are many young musicians who deserve this award more than us. Gratitude to all the revered committee members .#SangeetNatakAcademy #Awardwithoutconsent #toolateintheday”.

On being asked if he thinks there is any deliberate attempt to undermine his talent and years of experience, 40-year-old Amaan told TOI: “I am very average. I honestly feel everyone is better than me. Abba (Ustad Amjad Ali Khan) always says: ‘Don’t be the best but be the most loved one. Love all and praise all because maa Saraswati resides in all’.” Refusing to judge others, he added, “Everyone is amazing and that’s what I believe in. It’s been a long journey. I want young musicians to be encouraged. They should get the support which Ayaan bhai and I had to struggle to get. My mantra is love all and let everyone succeed.”

According to the SNA website, “Sangeet Natak Akademi has decided to institute “Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar” from the year 2006 to be awarded to artists who have shown / demonstrated conspicuous talent in the fields of music, dance and drama. Young outstanding practitioners upto the age of 40 years will be eligible to be considered for Yuva Puraskar every year. Age as on the date of nomination received will be reckoned from 1st April of that year.”