Q. We hear that you were introduced to sitar at a very young age. Was it tough growing up to be a musician?
A. I was first introduced to sitar when I was three, and I had my first solo performance at the age of 11. The journey has been a splendid one. It has led me from creating Classical music to acquiring the technique of applying it in Contemporary collaborations and performances. I have also recorded with the European Jazz ensemble, Taalism, and Indian bands like Mukti and Soundscape, and entertained audiences all over the world including in the US, Canada and Europe.

Sitar player Shakir Khan

Q. Besides, it always helps to have a learned musician like your father Ustad Shahid Parvez as a teacher, does it?
A. Yes. I have learnt tons from him and he has been a constant guide throughout my career. He gives me the ability to take the great musical tradition (of Etawah Gharana) ahead as well as stand tall in the era of Contemporary music with live performances and the musical energy that my fingers create on the sitar. I shall always treasure this.