He’s a role model for the millennial generation: Ustad Amjad Ali Khan on Justin Bieber

On May 10, Canadian pop sensation Justin Bieber will hold a concert in Mumbai, and the buzz is, the biggest stars, Bollywood celebs and all others Beliebers will be in attendance, in full force. And of course, like every guest is welcomed with a flurry of gifts, Justin Bieber is no exception. Bieber will be given a memento by sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.

Khan will be gifting Bieber a sarod, specially autographed for the occasion. “He (Justin Bieber) is a role model for the millennial generation and it’s so wonderful to see the love that he has generated. Since it’s his first visit, it’s a welcoming gesture as an Indian artist. I thought it would be great to make him strum a sarod,” says Khan. And, what does he think of Bieber’s music? “I don’t know the songs particularly but he has a very appealing voice from what I’ve heard.”

Khan believes that most guitarists fall in love with sarod as it’s also from the family of strings.“It’s a travel friendly instrument. The sarod that I am gifting him is a left-handed sarod since I understand he’s a left-handed guitarist,” adds Khan.

Apart from Khan, designer Varun Bahl is also gifting Bieber a tabla set and a sitar, with the designer’s artistic touch to it. Other things that will be a part of the hamper include a khadi trench by Amit Aggarwal, oversized hoodie by Dhruv Kapoor, an ikat jacket by Krishna Mehta, sneakers and caps by Manav Gangwani, along with an outfit by Anamika Khanna and jewels by Riddhima Kapoor Sahni for his mother Pattie Mallette.