Ustad Rashid Khan An 'Unparalleled Talent': PM Modi, President Murmu Mourn Music Maestro's Death

Ustad Rashid Khan, the legendary vocalist who made Hindustani classical music accessible to a global audience, died on Tuesday in a Kolkata hospital after a four-year struggle with prostate cancer.

File Photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Late musical maestro Ustad Rashid Khan

Source : PTI

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday expressed grief over the death of Ustad Rashid Khan, the legendary vocalist who made Hindustani classical music accessible to a global audience. Taking to X, President Droupadi Murmu stated: "Saddened to know about the passing of the eminent Hindustani classical music vocalist Ustad Rashid Khan. A Padma Bhushan awardee, Ustad Rashid Khan showcased immense versatility by exploring fusion and performing jugalbandis. He leaves behind a rich legacy in the field of classical music. I extend my deep condolences to his loved ones and admirers."

Saddened to know about the passing of the eminent Hindustani classical music vocalist Ustad Rashid Khan. A Padma Bhushan awardee, Ustad Rashid Khan showcased immense versatility by exploring fusion and performing jugalbandis. He leaves behind a rich legacy in the field of…

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 9, 2024

Ustad Rashid Khan died on Tuesday in a Kolkata hospital after a four-year struggle with prostate cancer. The classical vocalist was 55 years old. His wife, two kids, and a daughter survive him.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned the maestro's demise stating, "Pained by the demise of Ustad Rashid Khan Ji, a legendary figure in the world of Indian classical music. His unparalleled talent and dedication to music enriched our cultural world and inspired generations. His passing leaves a void that will be hard to fill. My heartfelt condolences to his family, disciples and countless admirers."

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on his official X handle stated: "Padma Bhushan awardee, Ustad Rashid Khan was a distinguished Hindustani classical music vocalist whose remarkable legacy is an invaluable treasure, not just for our nation, but for the global music fraternity. Deeply pained by his untimely demise. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and admirers."

Padma Bhushan awardee, Ustad Rashid Khan was a distinguished Hindustani classical music vocalist whose remarkable legacy is an invaluable treasure, not just for our nation, but for the global music fraternity. Deeply pained by his untimely demise. My sincere condolences to his…

— Vice President of India (@VPIndia) January 9, 2024

"We tried our best but failed. He passed away at around 3:45 PM," an official of the private hospital where Khan was admitted stated.

The Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana vocalist is the great-grandson of the gharana's founder, Inayat Hussain Khan.

"I heard about his death. This is a great loss for the entire country and the entire music fraternity. I am in a lot of pain as I still can't believe that Rashid Khan is no more," Banerjee said at the hospital while standing beside his family members.

Khan will be given a gun salute and state honours before his death rites are performed on Wednesday, according to the chief minister.

"His body will be kept at a mortuary today. It will be taken to Rabindra Sadan on Wednesday where his admirers can pay him last respects," she said.

The musician was on life support. Following a stroke last month, his health worsened.

Who Was Ustad Rashid Khan?

For more over three decades, he enchanted millions of Hindustani vocal classical music listeners with his mastery of the 'Vilambit Khayal' gayaki.

Rashid Khan began his tuition under his maternal grandfather, Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan, in Badayun, Uttar Pradesh. At the age of ten, he came to Kolkata with his grandpa, Nissar Hussain Khan, in April 1980.

Rashid Khan's first concert was when he was 11 years old, and by 1994, he had established himself as a musician.

Rashid Khan began his music training at a young age, influenced by Hindustani classical music and his grandmother, Inayat Hussain Khan.