Tuesday saw the passing of famous classical vocalist Ustad Rashid Khan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent condolences to Khan’s family and friends. Khan, 55, had been battling cancer for quite some time and was now undergoing treatment at a Kolkata hospital.
Premier Khan told X that Khan’s passing “leaves a void that will be hard to fill.” Modi, the prime minister of India, paid homage to the late musician, describing him as a “legendary figure” and said, “His unparalleled talent and dedication to music enriched our cultural world and inspired generations.” On top of that, he had an image of the renowned vocalist beside himself.
Along with Khan, President Droupadi Murmu sent condolences on X, noting that Khan had a “rich legacy” to depart from.
The news of the passing of the legendary Hindustani classical music performer Ustad Rashid Khan has saddened me. Padma Bhushan laureate Ustad Rashid Khan shown extraordinary adaptability with his exploration of fusion music and jugalbandis. His death has improved the classical music world. Those close to him, including fans and family, have President Murmu’s sincere condolences.
Khan has had an unforgettable impact on the music business with his performances, touching covers, and other contributions. He has also put in a lot of time as a teacher and mentor to future performers, which will help keep Hindustani classical music alive for a long time.
Following his recovery at Peace Haven in Kolkata on January 10, fans will have one more opportunity to pay their respects before his burial on January 10. The chief minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, expressed her sympathies and said that during Wednesday’s funeral, Ustad Rashid Khan would be honored with a gun salute.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi expressed his profound sadness at the passing of Ustad Rashid Khan Ji, a renowned figure in the realm of Indian classical music. Modi continued by saying the singer had an enormous influence on culture and has motivated people, after applauding the artist’s outstanding talent and unwavering dedication to music. “It will be hard to fill the void that his passing leaves,” he said. To his family, friends, and admirers, my heartfelt condolences are with you during this difficult time.
His health deteriorated after Rashid’s stroke last month. Though he began his treatment at Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, he ultimately chose to remain in Kolkata for the duration of his care. Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan, Rashid’s maternal grand-uncle, was the one who first instructed him. He is Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan’s nephew and was born in Badayun, Uttar Pradesh. He continued his education with Nissar Hussain after receiving early tuition from his uncle Ghulam, who recognized his musical aptitude.
Rashid made his concert debut at the tender age of eleven. He made quite an impression at an ITC event in Delhi when he was twelve years old. His musical aspirations were furthered when, at the juvenile age of fourteen, he enrolled in the ITC Sangeet Research Academy (SRA) in Calcutta.
Rashid, who was famously versatile, always sought out new collaborations, blending traditional Hindustani music with different genres. He collaborated with Western instrumentalist Louis Banks and played jugalbandis alongside renowned performers such as sitarist Shahid Parvez, all while pursuing experimental music.
