Question

There are many artists who are performing the same instrument that you have opted for. Critically analyse the style of any one artist who inspires you in your chosen instrument.

Hint:

Vilayat Khan → Gayaki Ang → Smooth Meend, pure tone, singing style on sitar.

Answer 1

One artist who inspires me deeply on the sitar is Ustad Vilayat Khan.
He was known for his unique Gayaki Ang (vocal style) of sitar playing.
Vilayat Khan brought the smoothness and subtlety of Khayal singing into instrumental music.
His Meend (glides) were so fine that each note blended perfectly into the next.
He used intricate Kan swaras and microtones to add life to his phrases.
His renditions of ragas like Yaman and Bageshri are benchmarks for melodic beauty.
He avoided excessive speed, focusing instead on tone purity and lyrical flow.
His right-hand technique balanced strong Da-Ra strokes with soft plucking, producing clear, sweet sound.
Vilayat Khan’s taans and gamaks were never mechanical — they felt like singing phrases.
This Gayaki Ang has inspired countless modern sitarists to play with a singer’s sensitivity, not just speed.
For me, his approach teaches the value of patience, clarity, and emotional depth in instrumental music.