Ustad Ashique Ali Khanà(1948âÂÂ1999) was aàSarangiàplayer, born on 28 October 1948 in Kirana,àUttar Pradeshàto a family of Sarangi exponents. He belongs to theàKirana Gharanaàof Indian Classical Music.
At the age of ten, he attained the first position in vocal musicÃÂ and in playing theÃÂ harmonium, in a contest organised by Prayag Sangeet Samiti, the Ustad was also drawn towards this rare musical instrument. He began learning the Sarangi at the age of 22. He received his sarangi training first from his grandfather Ustad Allah Rakkha Khan, and later from his father Ustad Mehfooz Ahmed Khan who was also Sarangi player.
In 1993, atÃÂ Agra his exemplary rendition of lehra while playing in accompaniments to Ustad Zakir Hussain brought him theÃÂ tablaÃÂ maestro's untrammeled praise. "It is my great fortune that a supremely accomplished sarangi artist likeÃÂ Ustad Ashique Ali KhanÃÂ is accompanying me today. I'm like a child compared to him. I am hoping that khan sahib will guide me and help me play to everybody's satisfaction" saidÃÂ Zakir Hussain. After the concert, Hussain went and kissed the fingers of Khan.
On 29 September 1999, Khan died in Delhi at the age of 51.