Lessons learnt from my father

For as long as I can remember, the first mantra taught by my father, and in my case my guru as well, was to be a good human being and to be a symbol of etiquette and manners

Lessons learnt from my father

For as long as I can remember, the first mantra taught by my father, and in my case my guru as well, was to be a good human being and to be a symbol of etiquette and manners. (Tehzeeb and tameez as we call it). This was pretty much the code even during school days.

Bad marks were acceptable, but any bad behaviour was not taken well. Abba, as I call my father, is a complete disciplinarian. In fact, I feel proud to say that I have contributed to his elegant silver hair! In spite of being the monumental icon of music that he is, he continues to be an individual full of humility and a complete simpleton.

In recent times, I often question his imparting of humbleness to me and my brother especially in the world that we live in.u00a0 It has almost become a bible for people to walk over you or take you completely for granted. However, Abba is a man of his principles and says that God watches every individual in this world and takes care of everything.u00a0

It did take me time to draw the line as to when he was a father and when he was a guru. This realisation obviously happened as I grew older. I feel ecstatic to think and realise from time to time that my guru is my father. As a classical musician, music for me was not just a profession but a complete way of life. Abba is an old timer with regards to many things. For one, even though he is a dear friend to me, a certain protocol in the relationship is always maintained. Abba is god-loving and a very religious person, however, his religion is music. His intuitions are scary; in fact, it's indeed very surreal at times. He is most of the times correct in what he believes in.u00a0

I have understood the importance of what family means from my father. Whether it was my first birthday or my 25th birthday, Abba made it a point that we were always together, even at an age when kids don't remember.

This meant taking a flight back from the US even if he reached a few hours before the day was over! During the years that we were growing up, he excused himself from extensive tours overseas that would exceed a few months in order to be with us to teach us the musical legacy that my grandfather had bequeathed upon him.u00a0

A complete humanitarian, Abba would pray to the almighty as he passes any hospital that may the people inside be cured of their distresses and sufferings. He has very closely been associated with Unicef, Spastic Society and the Cancer Society of India. Some of Abba's very common musings are 'Have patience and tolerance' ,'We make our future in this world' and 'God is within us'. A pioneer who lives by his principles both on stage and off stage!

Ayaan Ali Khan is a musician

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels