Rāgas and Redemption: Alam Khan’s Spiritual Legacy
The Documentary Podcast

Rāgas and Redemption: Alam Khan’s Spiritual Legacy

Jul 25, 2025
26:31
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About this episode

What does it mean to inherit a sacred tradition? Alam Khan was born into one of the most revered lineages in Indian classical music - his father, Ali Akbar Khan, was hailed as one of the greatest musicians of the 20th Century and brought the spiritually rich sarod and rāga music to the West. But Alam's journey has not been one of simple inheritance. Presenter Rajeev Gupta follows Alam across California, from his father's grave to the family music school and into the quiet spaces where Alam seeks refuge. For Alam, it is a deeply personal wrestle: growing up American, immersed in rock and hip-hop, Alam resisted the weight of legacy. But after his father's death, something changed. Going through his father’s recordings, he felt a cosmic calling - one that was more spiritual than familial. This episode of The Documentary, comes to you from Heart and Soul, exploring personal approaches to spirituality from around the world.

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Episode Details

Author
BBC World Service
Show Type
full
Audio Format
audio/mpeg

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