Video: Why did Ustad Amjad Ali Khan invite Karan Johar?

Glimspes from the launch of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan's book, Master On Masters.

Video: Afsar Dayatar/Rediff.com

When a music maestro decides to write about 12 music icons of the twentieth century, you know the book will make for a riveting read.

In Master On Masters, sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan brings to life 12 legendary musicians -- Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Ustad Amir Khan, Begum Akhtar, Ustad Alla Rakha, Kesarbai Kerkar, Kumar Gandharva, M S Subbulakshmi, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Vilayat Khan and Pandit Kishan Maharaj.

The book was released by Karan Johar, who also read an excerpt. This was followed by a conversation where the two discussed everything from music to movies.

Take a look:

The book, Master On Masters, is formally launched by Karan Johar and Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.

They were joined by the host for the evening, Suchitra Pillai, Milee Ashwarya (third from left), editor-in-chief, Penguin Random House India and Suhel Seth (second from left), who played moderator.

Lending Ustad Amjad Ali Khan support were his sons, Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, and his wife Subhalakshmi.

Karan Johar reads an excerpt from the chapter on Begum Akhtar. The audience listens in rapt attention.

Suhel Seth's moderation strategy had Karan Johar and Ustad Amjad Ali Khan in splits.

Subhalakshmi Khan, in a gorgeous blue saree, is flanked by her sons, Amaan and Ayaan.

Anup Soni and his wife, Juhi Babbar, are joined by Tanishaa Mukerji.

Pankaj Udhas was accompanied by his wife, Farida, and daughter, Reva.

Actor-filmmaker Romesh Sharma -- you may remember him as Amitabh Bachchan's friend in Hum -- makes a rare appearance with his son, Karan.

Suchitra takes a break from her hosting duties and gets a picture clicked with Congress leader Milind Deora.

Finally, the men and their music: Ayaan Ali Bangash, Pankaj Udhas, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Karan Johar -- who wants his newborn twins, Yash and Roohi, to love Hindi film music as much as he does -- and Amaan Ali Bangash.