Sabri Khan

Ustad Sabri Khan (1927–2015) occupies a place of great significance in the history of Indian classical music as a master of the sarangi and a torchbearer of the Sainia Gharana. Born in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, he inherited a rich musical lineage on both sides of his family. His initial training began under his grandfather, Ustad Haji Mohammed Khan, and continued under the guidance of his father, Ustad Chajju Khan. He further refined his technique through rare and specialized instruction from his uncle, Ustad Laddan Khan of Rampur, which added depth and individuality to his playing style.

Sabri Khan’s career was closely associated with both vocal accompaniment and solo performance. As a staff artiste with All India Radio, he accompanied many leading vocalists and instrumentalists, demonstrating the sarangi’s unmatched ability to mirror the nuances of the human voice. A landmark moment in his career came when he toured the United States in the early 1960s with sitar maestro Ravi Shankar and tabla legend Alla Rakha, introducing Western audiences to the expressive power of the sarangi. He later performed extensively across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, earning recognition as the artist who brought the sarangi to the international concert stage.

Beyond performance, Ustad Sabri Khan contributed significantly as an educator and cultural ambassador. He performed duets with internationally renowned musicians such as violinist Yehudi Menuhin and served as a visiting professor at the University of Washington in Seattle. His artistry was recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and the Tagore Ratna. His musical legacy continues through his sons, grandchildren, and disciples, many of whom are accomplished musicians, ensuring that the sarangi tradition he upheld remains vibrant and relevant for future generations.