Posted on January 13, 2020 by bls

A Dream I Lived Alone – Namrata Gupta Khan

Congratulations Namrata on receiving an award for your first book! Can you tell us how you feel and what does this mean to you?
I am grateful about the fact that my efforts have been acknowledged. I cannot really express how much this project means to me. The acknowledgement is something that I will cherish throughout my life and would always look upon in those times when I feel low. Moreover, because it is the life story of my father-in-law who never treated me like his daughter-in-law but his daughter.

What was your main inspiration to write this book on Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan Sahab – A Life I Lived Alone?
Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan is a renowned Hindustani classical music artiste and his story needed to be penned as an autobiography. I started noticing him everyday, things he did it in different way. So then I started noting down.
When I became a part of this culturally rich family as a daughter in law, I found myself in the unique position of being a member of this family as well as someone who could give a fresh look with words in co-writing this autobiography with him.

What are your interests in music?
I like soothing and retro remixes. It is a good trend for the new generation. I think remixing is a better way to present old songs in a modern way, for the younger audience and revive some old songs which are almost forgotten)

How has entering this family changed your music taste and perspective?
I started enjoying Indian classical and traditional music which I was totally unaware of.

This book is very inspiring for a musician or artist as it shows the struggles that Ustad had to go through. What do you think are the main ingredients that go into success of a musician?
Other than passion, riyaaz, dedication, and being yourself are the one key ingredients to creating massive success in music. A successful artist always works on his or her craft with people that make them better than they even think they are. People who challenge them,push them to be more,dig deeper,  work harder to make better art.Its never done alone. It is always created, manufactured and orchestrated.

What kind of books do you like to read?
I like life changing biographies,mystery and horror.

How was it to put down the Mammoth life and experiences of Ustad into a book? Did you have to edit large portions? How did you decide the structure of the book?
I jotted down according to years in chronological order. Starting from his childhood experiences till date. Despite being so talented, he is a man of few words. The biggest challenge was to get him to open up and share his life experiences, his achievements, his moments of pride and glory as well as his disappointments and struggles. Yes, I had to edit lot of stories, and names which Ustadji was not comfortable disclosing.

This  book is a very easy read for anyone. How did you write so that the reading is easy? Was this a deliberate attempt?

The more colloquial your writing sounds, the easier it is for a reader to digest your ideas. Yes, it was a deliberate attempt so that the reader could understand easily.

Can you tell us more about the other work that you do?
Other than writing, I also run my own event management outfit, called NR Talent and Event Management Company which organizes events in India and abroad.

How did you meet your husband, Rabbani Mustafa Khan? Tell us something interesting and how your friendship developed into such a wonderful relation?
I met my husband while I was in my first year B. Com through a common friend. First we became friends, then we dated for 12 years  and now, its been 7 years since we are a happily married couple

Your thoughts on Rabbani’s recent single ‘Aaoni Saiyyon’?
Aaoni Saiyyon is a soulful composition and all the musical notes compliment the beautiful romantic Sufi Saint Bulleh Shah’s lyrics.  The best thing of this song is that it is most loved by Ustadji himself.