New Delhi: Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan is anxiously waiting in the United States after six pieces of luggage carrying his troupe’s musical instruments failed to arrive on a British Airways flight — just as the group prepares for a major California concert.
The celebrated musician, who is touring the U.S. with sons Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, said the missing bags contain equipment vital to their live shows.
With a performance due in Saratoga on Saturday, the family has urged the airline to treat the case as an emergency and trace the baggage immediately.
Khan turned to X on Friday to draw attention to the situation. He wrote, “We are currently on a tour in the US, and our musical instruments are essential to our performances. We urgently need our six delayed baggage pieces containing our instruments delivered ASAP.”
In a second message, he added, “Please treat this as an urgent priority, as our upcoming performances and professional commitments depend on them. We request your immediate attention and assistance in locating and delivering our baggage. Please help us resolve this urgently @British Airways.”
The appeal quickly drew support from admirers online, many of whom pressed British Airways to act. One user even tagged former British prime minister Rishi Sunak, asking him to intervene and help secure the return of the instruments, as reported by The New Indian Express.
A spokesperson for the airline responded, “We are in direct contact with our customer and are doing all that we can to reunite him with his baggage at the very earliest. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused.”
The timing could not be worse. According to the maestro’s official website, Khan and his sons are scheduled to perform at the Carriage House Theatre at Montalvo Arts Centre in Saratoga, California, on November 14. The appearance is part of a five-day U.S. tour spread across October and November, with further concerts planned for November 21 and 22.
This is not the first time Khan has had a troubling experience with the carrier. In 2014, his treasured sarod —affectionately named “Ganga”— disappeared for nearly two days after a journey from London to Delhi. The instrument was ultimately found, but the episode left a lasting impression on the musician.
British Airways has previously faced criticism after instruments belonging to touring artists were delayed, damaged, or lost. Last year, guitars belonging to the Staples Jr Singers were reportedly lost and damaged on a flight from London to Paris. This year, the Bridge City Sinners also said their instruments had been misplaced by the airline.