Namita Devidayal

Time and again it has been proven how difficult it is to put together a book about an Indian classical musician. Partly because it isn't always easy to get primary sources and partly because it is challenging to navigate through the clutter of myth that surrounds their persona. Namita has done a commendable job of introducing Vilayat Khan's life to the readers. This book paints a detailed picture of his vibrant life right from his childhood till the end. Several lovely anecdotes collected show more from multiple sources keep up the reader's interest throughout. Through Khansahib's life, the author explores the evolution of Sitar as a popular concert instrument, spread of sitar music to the west, the rivalry between Ravi Shankar and Vilayat Khan, and his persistent struggle to stand apart.


It takes a few pages of reading to get into the groove. This has been my experience with 2 other books by the same publisher. They could improve their editing in general. For an Indian reader this book seems to try and pander to an international reader whereas for an international reader this may come across as too Indian; the author somehow balances the entire book on a shaky inconsistent middle ground. This too could have been resolved by a good editor.


The author herself writes that this is not strictly a biography and she takes some liberty in interpreting, even imagining at times, what would be on Khansahib's mind at times. Overall, a great book that should be read by everyone with an interest in Hindustani music. show less

A beautifully written story of the great sitar maestro, Vilayat Khan. His up-and-down relations with his contemporaries and his competitors, his struggles with his children, his art, his philosophy, his loves and his hobbies. The writing is sincere and sometimes inspired; a rare book that one cannot but read through at a sitting!

The Music Room is full of details that would interest a student of Indian music, but lacks the emotional zest which would endear it to the general masses. While the book is called a memoir, the author remains very distant about her personal life, focusing on her teacher and other great musicians. This detachment gives the book a rather sterile feel and fails to pull the reader along with it.

I gave this book 100 pages and just couldn't get into it. It's not a case of the writing being bad or the story being uninteresting, but something about the style just didn't work for me. Devidayal basically just jumps into the story with little introduction, and it left me feeling like I didn't really know anything about her.

I think many readers will enjoy her reflections on music---particularly Indian classical music---and the historical information she provides, but the book lacks show more universal appeal. show less