In a profoundly mournful turn of events, the illustrious world of Hindustani classical music bids farewell to one of its greatest luminaries, Ustad Rashid Khan. The 55-year-old maestro, whose soul-stirring notes traversed the realms of emotions, succumbed to his valiant battle with cancer on Tuesday, leaving behind an indelible imprint on the cultural tapestry of India.
Ustad Rashid Khan’s journey, marked by a deep resonance with the Rampur Sahaswan gayaki, concluded at a city hospital where he breathed his last on Wednesday. His departure, following an arduous four-year struggle against prostate cancer, signifies not just the loss of a musical giant but the end of an era in Hindustani classical music.
Survived by his son, two daughters, and wife, the celebrated musician was recognized as the 31st generation of Sangeet Samrat Mian Tansen, a testament to the deep roots of his musical lineage. Known for his mastery in the ‘Vilambit Khayal’ gayaki, Ustad Rashid Khan captivated audiences for over three decades, earning him a revered place in the hearts of classical music enthusiasts.
Despite being on a ventilator and receiving oxygen support, the music maestro’s battle took a somber turn, and he breathed his last at around 3:45 PM, as confirmed by an official from the private hospital where he was admitted.
The news of Ustad Rashid Khan’s demise reverberated beyond the musical circles, drawing heartfelt condolences from various quarters. 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 maestro’s health had taken a downturn after experiencing a cerebral attack last month, leading to his admission to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital. Subsequently, he chose to continue his treatment exclusively in Kolkata. Despite initial positive responses to the treatment, his condition deteriorated, leading to the unfortunate outcome.
Born in Badayun, Uttar Pradesh, Rashid Khan’s musical journey began under the guidance of his maternal grand-uncle, Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan. His talents were further honed by his uncle, Ghulam Mustafa Khan, in Mumbai. At the age of eleven, he gave his debut concert, and by 1978, at an ITC concert in Delhi, he had already graced the stage.
Taking to Instagram, Sonu Nigam wrote, “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.”
Vishal Dadlani took on his Instagram story, wrote, “What a loss! This is terrible news!” Singer Harshdeep Kaur also took to her X handle and to pay tribute to the music maestro. “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 (sic),” she wrote.
In April 1980, when Nissar Hussain Khan transitioned to the ITC Sangeet Research Academy (SRA) in Calcutta, Rashid Khan, at the age of 14, also became a part of this esteemed academy. His journey into the world of classical music saw him not only embrace traditional Hindustani compositions but also venture into experimental collaborations. Notable among these were performances with Western instrumentalist Louis Banks and jugalbandis with sitarist Shahid Parvez and other accomplished musicians.
As the curtain falls on the life of Ustad Rashid Khan, the echoes of his soulful notes resonate as a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of Hindustani classical music. His contributions, spanning over three decades, continue to reverberate, ensuring that his musical prowess lives on in the hearts of generations to come.