Married to Subhalakshmi, a Bharatnatyam danseuse, Khan has two sons, Ayaan and Amaan, who are carrying their father's legacy to the next generation of classical musicians.

'They are very hardworking... Both have different styles of playing the sarod. I am glad they receive appreciation, love and blessings from people all over the world. They are on the right track and I am happy that they are so dedicated,' he said of his sons.

The maestro recently collaborated with Grammy nominee and Iraqi Oud player Rahim Alhaj for an album called 'Ancient Sounds', which released in the US in June and is set for an Indian release in two months.

The collaboration brings together the musical heritage of their respective ancient cultures in a contemporary way.

'All tracks are written and composed by me, except the fifth one. The album, which also has influences of percussion, is sublime, powerful and passionate,' said the 63-year-old.

The veteran was part of the Indian Independence Day celebrations in Sydney and Perth and paid a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi through his music.

'I started the evening with two of Mahatma Gandhi's favourite songs - 'Vaishnav janato' and 'Ram Dhun' - followed by traditional ragas. Sarod is not very popular in Australia unlike Europe and the US; so I want to do more shows there,' he said.

'I agree that sarod needs some impetus and popularity among people. I'm trying that it becomes as popular as the guitar and violin.

'We are doing more and more shows so that people come to know about this stringed instrument because I know one thing for sure, if anyone listens to sarod once, then he gets completely attracted to it,' Khan said.

(Ruchika Kher can be contacted at ruchika.k@ians.in)