Sarod maestro Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan has described his latest collaboration with Grammy-nominated musician Krishna Das, along with Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, as a humble musical offering towards peace, compassion and unity.
The collaboration brings together Krishna Das’ vocals and the sarod of Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash on the sacred chant ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’. The track combines devotional expression with the contemplative and emotive sound of Indian classical music.
Speaking about the collaboration, Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan said music has always transcended boundaries and described the chant as an expression of that belief.
“It was a privilege to collaborate with Krishna Das, whose voice carries such sincerity, devotion and spiritual depth. I have always believed that when musicians come together with an open heart, music becomes much more than sound tracks, it becomes prayer,” he said.
He added that the recording was a shared offering towards peace, compassion and the sense of oneness that connects people.
The track is part of the nine-song album ‘Chants for Unity’, which brings together sacred chants, shlokas, stotras and kirtan through the musical vocabulary of the sarod.
Krishna Das said the album emerged from the belief that music and prayer can help people move beyond divisions.
“My hope is that these chants bring peace, love and connection into the hearts of those who listen. Ultimately, we are not separate. We are one,” he said.
The album also marks the vocal debut of Subhalakshmi Borooah Khan, who has lent her voice to five of its nine tracks. Bhajan singer Nina Rao performs the ‘Sankat Mochan Hanuman Chalisa’, while singer Jai Uttal provides vocals for ‘Lotus Feet’. Pandit Vijaykumar, Pandit Narayanan and their team have performed the ‘Mahamrityunjaya Mantra’.
Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash recalled the experience of recording with Krishna Das, describing it as an enriching collaboration. They also said the album would remain particularly close to their hearts as they were able to convince their mother to make her vocal debut.