Ustad Amjad Ali Khan: It'd be great to make Justin Bieber strum the sarod

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan

Promoters of Justin Bieber's May 10 Mumbai gig at DY Patil Stadium are leaving no stone unturned to make the Canadian singer's maiden visit to the country memorable. Among the desi souvenirs being readied for the Let Me Love You hitmaker, is an autographed sarod from classical music legend, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan. "I thought it would be great to make Bieber strum the sarod," Khan said. "Most guitarists, like him, fall in love with the instrument since both instruments belong to the same family of strings," Khan said.

The autographed sarod

The veteran has been careful to study the singer before customising the instrument for him. "It is a left-handed sarod since Bieber is a left-handed guitarist. It's also compact, making it travel-friendly. It's an apt memento for the young musician."

While Khan confesses he hasn't heard many of Bieber's songs, he knows of his huge following among the youth. "He has an appealing voice, from what I've heard. Bieber is a role model for the millennials. It's wonderful to see the love that he has gathered. Since it's his first visit to the country, presenting the sarod is a welcoming gesture," he says.