New Delhi: Aashish Khan, the sarod virtuoso who brought Indian classical music to global prominence, passed away at 84. He breathed his last at a hospital in Los Angeles on Thursday, surrounded by his loved ones.
His brother, Alam Khan, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, describing Aashish Khan as a “powerful sarodist and beloved guru.”
A Musical Legacy Rooted in Maihar Gharana
Born in 1939 in Maihar, Madhya Pradesh, Aashish Khan was immersed in music from a young age. He trained under his legendary grandfather, Ustad Allauddin Khan, the founder of the Maihar Gharana, and continued under his father Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and aunt Annapurna Devi.
Global Collaborations and Achievements
Khan was a pioneer in bridging Indian classical and Western music. His collaborations included icons like George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, and Alice Coltrane. He also played pivotal roles in soundtracks for films such as Gandhi and A Passage to India.
Notable Awards and Contributions
– Nominated for a Grammy in 2006 for Golden Strings of the Sarode
– Recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2004
– Served as composer and conductor for All India Radio’s Vadya Vrinda ensemble
Educational Endeavors and Legacy
A dedicated teacher, Khan founded the Aashish Khan School of World Music in Kolkata and taught at prestigious institutions such as the University of Washington and the Ali Akbar College of Music in the US.
Tributes Pour In
The Sangeet Natak Akademi expressed profound grief, stating, “Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Aashish Khan’s contribution to Hindustani music is immeasurable.”