Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan Calls ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ a Humble Offering Towards Peace and Compassion

The collaboration, *Om Mani Padme Hum*, brings together Krishna Das’ devotional vocals with the sarod played by Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan and the Bangash brothers. The arrangement allows the sacred chant to unfold with a simple, contemplative quality while retaining its roots in Indian classical music.

Speaking about the track, Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan said, “Music has always been a language beyond boundaries and Om Mani Padme Hum is a beautiful expression of that belief. It was a privilege to collaborate with Krishna Das, whose voice carries such sincerity, devotion and spiritual depth. I have always believed that when musicians come together with an open heart, music becomes much more than sound tracks, it becomes prayer.”

The song is part of the album *Chants for Unity*, which brings together sacred chants, shlokas, stotras and kirtan through the musical vocabulary of the sarod.

“I am grateful to Krishna Das, Amaan and Ayaan for bringing this beautiful collaboration to life. As part of ‘Chants for Unity’, this recording is our humble offering towards peace, compassion and the oneness that connects us all,” the sarod maestro added.

The track features Krishna Das on vocals and Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan on sarod, with music production and arrangement completing the collaboration.

Krishna Das said the album was created from the belief that music and prayer can help transcend divisions.

“‘Chants for Unity’ comes from a very simple place, the understanding that music and prayer can take us beyond all the things that seem to divide us. When we chant together, something deeper awakens, something that belongs to all of us. I feel grateful to be part of this beautiful offering. My hope is that these chants bring peace, love and connection into the hearts of those who listen. Ultimately, we are not separate. We are one,” he said.

The nine-track album also marks the vocal debut of Subhalakshmi Borooah Khan, who lends her voice to five songs on the collection. Acclaimed bhajan singer Nina Rao performs *Sankat Mochan Hanuman Chalisa*, while singer Jai Uttal contributes vocals to *Lotus Feet*. Pandit Vijaykumar and Pandit Narayanan, along with their team, have chanted the deeply contemplative *Mahamrityunjaya Mantra*.

For Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, recording *Om Mani Padme Hum* with Krishna Das was a particularly memorable experience.

“When Krishna Das was recording Om Mani Padme Hum it felt as though the Bodhisattva of Compassion himself had descended at our studio,” they said.

“It was an enriching experience to collaborate with him and bring this entire album to life. Professionally this album will always be close to our hearts as we could finally convince our mother for her vocal debut,” they added.