Music maestro Ustad Rashid Khan dies at 55 after battling prolonged illness

Rashid Khan was awarded the Padma Shri, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Padma Bhushan, among his other achievements.

Hindustani Classical Music maestro Ustad Rashid Khan, who has been undergoing treatment at a Kolkata-based hospital for prostate cancer, died at a city hospital on January 9. He was 55.

"We tried our best but failed. He passed away at around 3:45 PM," said an official of the private hospital where Khan was admitted.

West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who visited the hospital, said: "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."

President of India Droupadi Murmu expressed her condolences as well. "Saddened to know about the passing of the eminent Hindustani classical music vocalist Ustad Rashid Khan. A Padma Bhushan awardee, Ustad Rashid Khan showcased immense versatility by exploring fusion and performing jugalbandis. He leaves behind a rich legacy in the field of classical music. I extend my deep condolences to his loved ones and admirers," she posted on X.

The musician was on ventilation. His health condition deteriorated following a cerebral attack last month.

Khan is survived by his wife, son and two daughters.

He belonged to the Rampur-Sahaswan gharana, and was the great-grandson of gharana founder Inayat Hussain Khan.

Khan received his initial training from his maternal grand-uncle, Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan. He was also the nephew of Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan.

Hit song "Aaoge Jab Tum Saajna" from the 2007 movie Jab we Met and  "Allah Hi Rahem" from the movie My Name is Khan are some of his brilliant work in the Hindi film industry.

Also Read | Ustad Rashid Khan who leaves behind a legacy in Hindustani classical music

Khan's Rabindra Sangeet (songs of Rabindranath Tagore) album, 'Baithaki Rabi,' released in the mid-2000s, showcased his versatility.

He was awarded the Padma Shri and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2006, the Maha Sangeet Samman Award in 2012 the Padma Bhushan in 2022, among other achievements.

(With PTI inputs)