The world of Hindustani classical music lost one its beloved gems when maestro Ustad Rashid Khan, 55, breathed his last on January 9 at 3.45 pm, battling cancer at a hospital in Kolkata. The renowned vocalist, survived by his wife, son and two daughters had begun his career with his first concert when he was just 11. His official website states that he was the 31st generation of the ancient music legend Mian Tansen and with his consistent contribution in the field of music, he owned it.
Ustad Rashid Khan, known and loved for his vocal mastery in the special vilambit khayal gayaki, was born in Uttar Pradesh’s Sahaswan city and his maternal grand-uncle, Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan was his first guru. Another legend, Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan was his uncle. He was from the Rampur-Sahaswan gharana, and was the great-grandson of gharana founder Inayat Hussain Khan. In the last few decades of his career, he not only sang, composed classical gems but also gave the film industry multiple soul stirring renditions.
The internet was heavy with the sad, touching messages, memories, pictures and everyone lamented that the voice that captivated millions was gone too soon. Here’s what some of his friends and colleagues in the industry posted (sic):
Rekha Bhardwaj: Meri zindagi ka sabse dukhad din ! Devastated ! I donot want to believe it !
Sonu Nigam: My dear Respected Elder Brother and the Pride of Classical Music of our Country Padmabhushan Ustad Rashid Khan Sahab. Aise koi jaata hai kya bhai? Akele akele? Saddened beyond words. Allah aapko jannat me aala makaam de. You'll be missed always. शांति
Jeet Gannguli: Rest in peace Ustad Rashid Khan—This is the way I will always remember you. It’s an irreparable loss for the entire music fraternity …kiun aise chale gaye aap, itni bhi kya jaldi thi?? Om Shanti
Harshdeep Kaur: Extremely sad news… Ustad Rashid Khan Ji passes away… this is a huge loss to the world of music. He will always be remembered for his excellence in music and his voice will reverberate in our hearts forever
Ehsaan Noorani: Khudaa Main To Tera Ho Gaya “ Alvidaa ……. Rashid Khan …… A Jewel Of India …..
Talat Aziz: Totally shocked and saddened to hear about the news of one of the greatest classical vocalists of our time Ustad Rashid Khan who was like my younger brother to me just a few hours back as per the news report . I feel a deep personal sense of loss as we shared so many years of friendship. May Allah grant his soul peace and tranquility. I will never forget the times we spent together .
Adnan Sami: I can’t believe this news! I’m so shocked & speechless… What a huge loss!! A genius musician & a beautiful friend… My deepest heartfelt condolences to his beloved family … May Allah SWT bless himin Jannat-ul-Firdaus...Ameen.
Sona Mohapatra: Ustaad Rashid Khan. A National Treasure. Attended his live concert in the Shanmukhananda auditorium just a few months ago & he was majestic & magical as always. On our playlists forever. May his soul rest in peace . Om Shanti
Hansal Mehta: Heartbreaking loss. Perhaps the greatest Hindustani classical vocalist of our generation is gone. Music maestro Ustad Rashid Khan passes away at the age of 55
Prasoon Joshi: My very dear friend, a legend & truly a voice through which the divine spoke to us - Rashid Khan's demise is an irreparable loss to the world of music. Fortunate are those who heard him perform. He was an unparalleled treasure. Milenge Rashid bhai upar milenge (we will meet in heaven)...
Some of the must-hear film songs of Ustad Rashid Khan:
Aaoge Jab Tum Saajna (Jab We Met) by Sandesh Shandilya
Bol Ke Lab Azad Hai Tere (Manto), composed by Sneha Khanwalkar
Jheeni Re Jheeni (Issaq) composed by Sachin-Jigar
Allah Hi Rahem (My Name is Khan) by Shankar Ehsaan Loy
Aiyo Piyaji (Chakravyuh) by Shantanu Moitra
Poore se zara sa (Mausam) by Pritam Chakraborty
Kahe Ujadi Mori Neend and Tore Bina Mohe Chain Nahi (Kisna: The Warrior Poet) by Ismail Darbar
Sajna (Bapi Bari Ja; Bengali) by Jeet Ganguly
Sakhi Ri (Vodka Diaries) by Sandesh Shandilya
Bhor Bhayo, Manwa (Morning Walk) by Jeet Ganguly
Some of the must-listen non-film/Hindustani classical songs and renditions of Ustad Rashid Khan:
Reflection (2006)
Morning Mantra (2003)
Kabir (2009)
Nirgun (2010)
Classical Wonders of India (2015)
Yatra by Ustad Rashid Khan and Nachiketa Chakraborty and others
Yaad Piya Ki Aaye (original composition by Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan)
With inputs from Debarati S Sen
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