Renowned classical singer Ustad Rashid Khan, a stalwart of the Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana, breathed his last on January 9 at the age of 55. The maestro had been undergoing treatment for prostate cancer at a Kolkata-based hospital, where he succumbed to his ailment.
Hailing from a lineage of musical brilliance, Khan was the great-grandson of the esteemed gharana founder Inayat Hussain Khan. His demise has left a profound void in the world of Indian classical music.
A Battle Against Time and Health
Ustad Rashid Khan had been battling prostate cancer, and despite the best efforts of the medical team at the private hospital in Kolkata, he passed away around 3:45 p.m. An official from the hospital shared, “We tried our best but failed.” The news of his demise has sent shockwaves through the music fraternity and beyond.
A Gharana’s Legacy
Belonging to the revered Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana, Ustad Rashid Khan’s musical journey was rooted in tradition and excellence. The Gharana, known for its rich history and distinctive style, found a formidable torchbearer in Khan. His mastery over classical vocals earned him acclaim not only in India but across the globe.
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Top 20 Iconic Songs by Ustad Rashid Khan
As we mourn the loss of this musical genius, let’s remember Ustad Rashid Khan through some of his most cherished compositions:
- Raga Des
- Tum Bin Mori Kaun Khabar Le
- Bhaj Man Ram Charan Sukhdai
- Raga Yaman
- Chand Ki Chandani
- Piya Bin Nahi Aavat Chain
- Raga Kedar
- Dil Cheez Kya Hai
- Raga Puriya Dhanashri
- Prem Ki Varsha
- Raga Darbari
- Dheere Dheere Aap Mere
- Raga Jog
- Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo
- Raga Shuddha Sarang
- Thumri in Mishra Kafi
- Raga Bihag
- Rasiya Ho Na- Jaaye
- Raga Bhimpalasi
- Ae Mohabbat Tere Anjaam Pe Rona Aaya
Tributes Pour In
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her grief, stating, “This is a great loss for the entire country and the entire music fraternity. I am in a lot of pain as I still can’t believe that Rashid Khan is no more.” The Chief Minister announced that Ustad Rashid Khan would receive a gun salute and State honors before his last rites, scheduled for January 10.
His body will be placed at a mortuary, and on Wednesday, it will be taken to Rabindra Sadan, allowing his admirers to pay their last respects to the departed soul.
A Lasting Legacy
Ustad Rashid Khan’s contributions to classical music have etched a lasting legacy. His soulful renditions and mastery over the intricacies of Indian classical music will resonate through generations, ensuring that his musical journey remains immortal in the hearts of his admirers worldwide.
