The world of classical music mourns the loss of maestro Ustad Rashid Khan, who breathed his last at the age of 55. The acclaimed musician passed away at a hospital in Kolkata after battling prostate cancer.
Ustad Rashid Khan, a revered vocalist in the Hindustani tradition, belonged to the esteemed Rampur-Sahaswan gharana. His musical journey was deeply rooted in tradition, being the great-grandson of gharana founder Inayat Hussain Khan and the nephew of Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan.
The maestro’s health had taken a downturn following a cerebral attack in December, and he had been receiving treatment while on a ventilator.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences, announcing that Ustad Rashid Khan’s mortal remains would be kept in a mortuary on Tuesday, January 9. On Wednesday, January 10, his body will be taken to Rabindra Sadan, a prominent cultural complex in Kolkata.
In recognition of his immense contributions to the world of music, Ustad Rashid Khan will be accorded a gun salute and state honors before his final rites are performed.
“A hugely respected vocalist with unparalleled genius in creating music, he made us proud by settling here and making Bengal his home,” remarked Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ustad Rashid Khan received several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2006. In 2022, the Indian government honored him with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in the field of Art.
The classical music community, as well as music enthusiasts worldwide, remember Ustad Rashid Khan for his exceptional artistry and the invaluable legacy he leaves behind in the world of music. His passing marks the end of an era, and his soulful