Rafique Khan

Rafique Khan was born in Dharwad and started playing the sitar at the age of nine. He was tutored by his father and his elder brothers Ustad Usman Khan and Ustad Bale Khan.[5] He was also trained in Gayaki Ang by his uncle Ustad Dastagir Khan. He passed his music exams from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Mumbai and graduate with a degree in philosophy at the University of Goa.

Rafique Khan won the prestigious “Sur Mani Award” from Sur Singar Samsad, Mumbai, at the young age of 23 years. He is also an empaneled artiste of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. Rafique Khan has toured across the nation and the world, performing at various music festivals. He has been rated as a 'top-grade' artiste by All India Radio[6] and has had four of his recitals aired on their national programmes. He has performed at prestigious music festivals and collaborated with musicians all over the world including Europe, the Middle East and South East Asia.[5]

One of the unique characteristics of his playing is that he preserves the purity of the Raga and maintains the balance of the two mixed styles in Gayaki Ang (Vocal style) and Tantakari Ang (Instrumental style). His self-discipline and devotion to music is evident in the fact that he has mastered the Gamak Taans, which is considered to be the one of the most difficult techniques on the sitar. His command over the finger board is exemplary. The music that he produces is pure melody. Audiences are enthralled by the movements of his nimble fingers on each note he plays.[5]

Rafique Khan currently works at All India Radio, Mangalore.[7] He is the President of the music organization Sangeet Bharati Foundation and also has an Academy of Hindustani Music at Mangalore.[8]

• Official website