Ustad Amjad Ali Khan will perform at a concert titled Music for Vision at NCPA on Thursday. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar

The Gwalior gharana is regarded as an iconic repository within the Hindustani Classical genre that celebrates greats such as Miyan Tansen. Sarod virtuoso Ustad Amjad Ali Khan is a disciple of the sect started with the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar in 1542. The royal blood reflected when he adjusted his blue scarf (known as uttariya which is hung around the shoulder) several times during a conversation, and greeted a stranger with a 'namaste'. At 71, he is reinventing himself by collaborating with Western Classical ensembles. When the government is contemplating a ban on exchange of the arts between India and Pakistan after the Uri attack, Khan sahab (as he is called) avowed the immortality of musical notes. He is in the city for a concert titled Music for Vision with American violinist Elmira Darvarova and conductor George Mathew. Excerpts from an interview.