Music maestro Ustad Rashid Khan passed away on January 9 following his battle with cancer. He breathed his last at a hospital in Kolkata at the age of 55. Rashid Khan was the nephew of Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan and received his initial training from his maternal grand-uncle Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan.
He not only immensely contributed to Indian classical music but also weaved the magic in Bollywood with his soulful songs such as ‘Aaoge Jab Tum O Saajana’ from the Kareena-Shahid starrer ‘Jab We Met’ and ‘Allah Hi Reham’ in the Shah Rukh Khan starrer ‘My Name is Khan’.
After learning about the unfortunate news, Sonu Nigam took to Instagram and paid his tributes. “My dear Respected Elder Brother and the Pride of Classical Music of our Country Padmabhushan Ustad Rashid Khan Sahab. Aise koi jaata hai kya bhai? Akele akele? Saddened beyond words. Allah aapko jannat me aala makaam de. You’ll be missed always. Om Shanti.”
Actor Prosenjit Chatterjee also paid his condolences.”We have lost a gem… My heartfelt condolences to Ustad Rashid Khan’s family and well-wishers… Will always treasure the magical musical memories…,” he wrote on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 9 condoled the demise of music maestro Ustad Rashid Khan and said, “his passing leaves a void that will be hard to fill.”
PM Modi took to X and offered his condolences. He wrote, “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.”
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… pic.twitter.com/u8qvcbCSQ6
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 9, 2024
Belonging to the Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana, Ustad Rashid Khan beautifully carried forward the legacy of his great-grandfather Inayat Hussain Khan. His initial training was under his maternal grand-uncle, Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan.
He was only 11 years old when his debut concert took place, and since then, he has never looked back. He gradually found a strong foothold in Hindustani classical music.Needless to say, Ustad Rashid Khan was one of the finest Hindustani classical vocalists. With a musical career spanning over four decades, Ustad Rashid Khan was also a recipient of various prestigious awards and honours, including Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan.
Singer Sona Mohapatra shared his rendition of Albela Sajan Aayo on X and wrote, “Ustaad Rashid Khan. A National Treasure. Attended his live concert in the Shanmukhananda auditorium just a few months ago & he was majestic & magical as always. On our playlists forever. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti.”
President Droupadi Murmu condoled the demise of music maestro Ustad Rashid Khan and said he “leaves behind a rich legacy in the field of classical music.”
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
President Murmu took to X and offered her condolences. “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,” she wrote.
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
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also paid tribute to Ustad Rashid Khan. He wrote on X, “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.”
(with inputs from ANI)
