Don't Artists Have To Earn A Living?

Khan Sahib's family.

I am being accused of collecting money. What money have I made? I only want to get two programmes everyyear, so that I can sustain myself. If not me then my children should be called for programmes. When we arenot invited, you tell me, should we look for a job or play music? When we get down to play or practice, welose track of day and night. We need something to earn a living.  I have asked for two programmes inParliament. Recently when I fell ill, I thought I wouldn't be able to perform in public anymore. But I gotwell, practiced a lot, and gradually I summed up courage to play, first for five minutes, then ten minutes,then half an hour. Now, I am back in front of you. Let me tell you something: gaanaa (singing).  gaa(sing). naa (don't). bajaanaa (playing). bajaa (play). naa (don't). That is,"don't sing, don't play". Each has a don't involved. We are being told not to do both of thesethings. Still we are singing and playing. After all, we also need something.

(Based on conversation with Geetashri. Translated from Outlook Saptahik, 25 August, 2003)