Ustad Rashid Khan needs no introduction. The torchbearer of the Rampur- Sahaswan Gharana, this classical singer has made waves since his debut in the late 70s. The vocalist is currently in town for the Rain Raga concert to be held on August 11 at the Nehru Centre. "I find it boring to give long interviews to journos. I get bored after ten minutes," says the moody artist. But when CS asks him about his favourite raag Malhar, the musician opens up for a freewheeling conversation. Read on:


Who: Ustad Rashid Khan
What: Talking about his favourite raag Malhar
Where: At a hotel in Santacruz

On a rainy day
It's no fun singing raag Malhar in the summers or winters. You can soak in the spirit of this raag only in the monsoons. My favourite versions of the raag are Megh Malhar, Miya Malhar and Sur Malhar. You see, the rainy season is a special one. There is so much natural beauty all around. As you drive down the highway in the rains, listening to some melodious songs, you feel the essence of good music in a totally different manner. That's why our ancestors composed different raags for different seasons.