New York: A book on world-renowned Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan written by his two sons, Amaan and Ayaan, was released amidst cheers from about five hundred music lovers and his fans.

Releasing the book 'Abba, God's Greatest Gift to us', on July 17, India's Consul-General in New York Pramathesh Rath praised the maestro for carrying on the family tradition and introducing the world to India's rich heritage.

Amaan and Ayaan, who are adept Sarod players in their own right, give a rare insight into their relationship with their father who was also their guru and how they were introduced to the music at a young age.

"Like all other children, our days were divided into lunchtime, nap time, playtimes and homework times. However, unlike other children, we had a sarod time too. Once we got back from school, lunch was followed by a short nap and homework after which we headed to the music room, where Abba either devoted time individually to each of us or taught us together," they write in the book that is replete with photos of their playing the instrument as children and young men.

Making no bones about the constant balance they strive to achieve in separating father from guru, the brothers tell of their father's struggles, his emotional conflicts, the betrayals he faced and his secular approach to life.

The release of the book was preceded by a scintillating 45-minute concert by the two brothers who constitute seventh generation of Sarod players in the family.

They were repeatedly cheered as the played their father's compositions based on Behag Raag.

PTI