Classical music and dance is considered the best medium to reach out to the supreme. It is believed that if you are a devoted musician, then you are a blessed soul, as it is not easy to surrender oneself to both music and divinity. One such veteran instrumentalist is Ustad Azeem Khan. Ustad Azeem is a professional Sitar maestro, closely associated with Sahyadri Vahini Doordarshan.

Ustad Azeem is a Sangeet Visharad from Bhatkhende Sangeet Vidyapeeth and had his early lessons in music from his illustrious father Khurshed Mirajkar(AIR artist Pune) and has seeked theoretical knowledge of music from Pandit Dinkar Kaikini. He was the former music teacher at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Sangeet Vidyapeeth In Mumbai.

Since 2003 he has been closely associated with Sahyadri Vahini Doordarshan and some of the most popular musical programmes include Swar Pravah,Music Mehfil and Hello Sakhi Sangeet Sadhana and other programmes are Rang Ek Rang Anek, Music Cafe. Bhakti Rang pertaining to devotional music, Kaladiary,Yogiaancha Dev of abhangs and many more. A musical treat of vocal and instrumental music.

Ustad Azeem is normally accompanied by Buddhadev Laha on Tabla who seeked his early lessons in music from his uncle Pt Shishir Laha, Koushik Sen and later on from Ustad Afzal Khan Saheb. Buddhadev is the recipient of the junior research fellowship from the Ministry of Human Resource Development. To listen to the melodious Sitar recital by Ustad Azeem Khan along with Buddhadev's rhythmic beats on the Tabla is a unique and enthralling musical experience.

Ustad Azeem Khan says "With the onslaught of western music, culture and lifestyle, youngsters are carried away and hence fail to understand the significance of Indian classical music. Through our varied programmes of music, we present the different colours and facets of music, that is complex and interesting too, in order to capture the attention of the audience, particularly youth and children.. The response has been quite encouraging and exciting".

By Guru Vijay Shankar