Renowned music maestro Ustad Rashid Khan passed away on Tuesday at the age of 55 after battling cancer. His demise occurred at a Kolkata hospital, leaving a void in the world of Indian classical music. Belonging to the Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana, Ustad Rashid Khan continued the legacy of his great-grandfather, Inayat Hussain Khan, with initial training under his maternal grand-uncle, Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan.
Having debuted at the age of 11, Ustad Rashid Khan established himself firmly in Hindustani classical music, contributing significantly to the genre. His rendition of thumri “Yaad Piya ki Aaye” and successful foray into Bollywood playback singing, with tracks like ‘Aaoge Jab Tum Saajna’ from ‘Jab We Met’ and ‘Allah Hi Rahem’ from ‘My Name is Khan,’ showcased his versatile talent.
With a musical career spanning over four decades, Ustad Rashid Khan earned prestigious awards like Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed their condolences, acknowledging his unparalleled contribution to Indian classical music.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced state honors for Ustad Rashid Khan’s funeral in Kolkata and paid tribute to his invaluable legacy. Singers Sonu Nigam and Sona Mohapatra, along with lyricist Prasoon Joshi, also mourned the loss of the maestro on social media.
Survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter, Ustad Rashid Khan’s passing leaves a lasting impact on the world of music, with his soulful compositions cherished by generations.