MUSIC maestro Ustad Rashid Khan, who has been undergoing treatment at a Kolkata-based hospital for prostate cancer, died at a city hospital this afternoon, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said. He was 55. “We tried our best but failed. He passed away at around 3:45 PM,” an official of the private hospital where Khan was admitted said. The Chief Minister 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.” Ustad Rashid Khan left an enduring legacy with his soul-stirring notes, his melodious voice echoing through time and leaving an indelible imprint on the rich heritage of Hindustani music.

 

He is survived by his son, two daughters, and wife. Possibly the last living legend of Rampur Sahaswan gayaki (style of singing), Rashid Khan was recognised as the 31st generation of Sangeet Samrat Mian Tansen, Known for his mastery in the‘VilambitKhayal’ gayaki, he captivated millions of Hindustani vocal classical music enthusiasts for more than three decades. Born in Badayun, Uttar Pradesh, Rashid Khan’s initial training was under his maternal grand-uncle,Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan.InApril 1980,here located to Kolkata at the age of 10 when Nissar Hussain Khan moved there with his grandfather.

 

Rashid Khan’s debut concert took place when he was just 11, and by 1994, he had gained recognition as a musician. Deeply influenced by Hindustani classical music from an early age, Rashid Khan commenced his music lessons under the guidance of his grandparent, Inayat Hussain Khan. Intherealmofmusicaltraditions, the Rampur Sahaswan gayaki shares a close kinship with the Gwalior gharana. This particular style is defined by its medium-slow tempos, richly resonant voice, and intricate rhythmic play.