The great Ustad Rashid Khan passes away at 55

On a sombre Tuesday afternoon, the world bid farewell to one of its musical luminaries, Ustad Rashid Khan, a legendary figure in the realm of Hindustani classical music. The 55-year-old maestro, who had been valiantly battling cancer, breathed his last at a private hospital in Kolkata, leaving a void in the hearts of music lovers worldwide.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences, highlighting the profound loss to the nation and personally lamenting the departure of a dear friend. “He was like my brother. He used to call me mother,” she shared with reporters gathered at the hospital, as per Hindustan Times.

Khan was admitted to a private hospital in east Kolkata on November 22 of the previous year, following an intracerebral haemorrhage. A team of neurosurgeons opted for conservative treatment, and despite initial signs of recovery, a hospital-acquired infection took a toll on his already fragile health. The renowned vocalist was placed on a ventilator, but the medical team’s efforts proved futile, and he succumbed to the inevitable at 3:45 pm.

Khan’s musical journey is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to the art form. Born in Badayun, Uttar Pradesh, he hailed from a prestigious musical lineage as the great-grandson of Ustad Inayat Hussain Khan, the founder of the Rampur Sehaswan gharana. Despite early interests in cricket and kabaddi, Khan’s destiny unfolded when his father introduced him to Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan, a strict guru who instilled in him the foundations of classical music.

At the age of 10, Khan moved to the ITC Sangeet Research Academy in Kolkata under the guidance of Pt Vijay Kichlu. His initial disinterest transformed into a profound love for classical music as he matured and explored the intricate nuances of the art form. Over the years, he not only mastered the full-throated singing and intricate taans characteristic of the Rampur-Sahaswan gharana but also delved into diverse musical genres, including film songs and ghazals.

Ustad Rashid Khan’s musical prowess transcended traditional boundaries, drawing in audiences from all walks of life. His soul-stirring performances at national music conferences and collaborations with stalwarts like Pt Ravi Shankar, Ustad Vilayat Khan, and Girija Devi earned him accolades as a prodigious talent. His concerts became a bridge between classical aficionados and the uninitiated, sparking a renewed interest in the timeless beauty of Hindustani classical music.

Apart from his classical pursuits, Ustad Rashid Khan ventured into experimental realms, fusing Hindustani music with diverse genres. Collaborations with western instrumentalist Louis Banks and jugalbandis with sitarist Shahid Parvez showcased his versatility and innovative spirit. His contributions to the world of music were duly recognized with numerous awards, including the prestigious Padma Shri in 2006 and the Global Indian Music Academy Awards (GIMA) in 2010.

TRIBUTES POUR IN

Khan’s demise sent shockwaves through the music fraternity, prompting an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from fellow artists who revered and cherished the maestro. The impact of his departure is not confined to borders, as artists from both India and Pakistan joined in expressing their grief and paying homage to the legendary vocalist.

Nigam’s emotional sendoff

Sonu Nigam, a prominent figure in the Indian music industry, took to Instagram to pen an emotional note, mourning the loss of his “Respected Elder Brother” and the “Pride of Classical Music.” Expressing profound sadness, Nigam questioned the solitary journey of departure and extended wishes for Ustad Rashid Khan’s eternal peace in heaven. His post encapsulates the collective sentiment of a mourning industry.

Sethi, Saeed bid farewell

Renowned Pakistani singer Ali Sethi and Farhan Saeed paid their respects through Instagram Stories. Sethi kept it succinct with a simple “Rest in Peace Ustad Rashid Khan,” while Farhan Saeed shared a poignant photo of the maestro, bidding him farewell with a heartfelt “RIP.”

Bashir mourns ‘irreplaceable loss’

Celebrated Pakistani qawaal and playback singer Javed Bashir tweeted, “An irreplaceable loss in the realm of classical music as Ustad Rashid Ali Khan embarks on his next journey. A profound figure and like a big brother to me. His legacy will forever resonate.”

Kaur remembers excellence in music

Singer Harshdeep Kaur expressed her deep sadness on Instagram, recognizing Ustad Rashid Khan’s immense contributions to the world of music. She acknowledged his excellence and predicted that his voice would resonate in hearts forever, emphasizing the colossal loss the industry has suffered.

Dadlani left speechless

Singer-composer Vishal Dadlani conveyed his shock and grief through a succinct yet powerful message on his Instagram story. His words, “What a loss! This is terrible news!” reflect the collective sentiment of disbelief and sorrow echoing across the music community.

Ali’s homage to a maestro

Singer Javed Ali, through an Instagram post, expressed deep sorrow over the sudden demise of Ustad Rashid Khan. Describing him as one of the greatest exponents of the Indian music industry, Ali extended heartfelt condolences to the family and well-wishers of the late maestro. He emphasized the indelible mark left by Ustad Rashid Khan on Indian music and wished for his soul to rest in peace.

Khan’s departure marks the end of an era, leaving behind a treasure trove of memories and a void that can never be filled.

As we mourn the loss of a musical giant, his legacy lives on in the hearts of those touched by his transcendent melodies. Lest we forget, “Aaoge jab tum o saajana, angana phool khilenge ((Whenever you’ll come my beloved, flowers will blossom in the courtyard). Barsega saawan, barsega saawan jhoom jhoom ke (The rain will pour down, the rain will pour down dancing in joy). Do dil aaise milenge (Two hearts will meet in such a way).”

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