"I am not against films or anything else but would like to score music for films if it suits my vision and creative taste," he told PTI in a telephonic interview from Dharwad, where he is on a visit to receive 2011 Mallikarjun Bheemarayappa Mansur award this evening. The award, instituted by the Karnataka government, carries a cash prize of Rs one lakh and a citation. Vocalist Kishori Amonkar, Pandit Jasraj and Dr Balamuralikrishna were the earlier recipients of the award.
Khan, who has captivated audiences at home and abroad, said he is happy many young filmmakers have approached him to score tunes for their films, but said modern fast paced songs lack melody. "The songs today lack melody and the emphasis is more on racy item numbers. Old songs still appeal to today`s generation as they are melodious," said Khan, who has also composed for the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.
He said the future of Indian classical music is bright. "I have great hopes and expectations from the young classical musicians of today. The future of Indian classical music is bright." There are many young talented Hindustani vocalists from Karnataka, where legends like Bhimsen Joshi, Kumara Gandharva, Mallikarjun Mansur and Gangubai Hangal were born, Khan said.