Famous classical music singer, Ustad Rashid Khan, known for his melodious voice, passed away early on Tuesday at a private hospital in Kolkata’s Eastern Bypass. Hospital sources revealed that a fast-spreading infection had affected his entire body. He experienced a stroke on November 21, leading to his hospitalization and since then he has been on ventilation.
Unfortunately, his health further deteriorated after a cerebral attack last month. Along with this, Ustad Rashid Khan was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. The news of Khan’s demise has brought a sense of sorrow to the music world.
The classical singer and a prominent figure of the Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana, passed away at the age of 55 today.
About Ustad Rashid Khan
Ustad Rashid Khan, born in Badayun, Uttar Pradesh, started his career in his hometown. He is the nephew of Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan and received his first lessons from his grand-uncle Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan. His uncle, Ghulam Mustafa Khan, also played a role in his early training in Mumbai. However, most of his foundational training took place in Badayun under the guidance of Nissar Hussain Khan at his home.
The singer’s family constituted a wife, two sons, and a daughter, who are left behind the musical star Ustad.
Pouring of condolences
Mamta Banerjee, the West Bengal chief minister has expressed her grief and sorrow on losing the gem. She met with the family of the deceased and expressed:
“I heard about his death. 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 will receive a gun salute and state honors before his final ceremonies, set for Wednesday. Today, his body will be kept at a mortuary, and on Wednesday, it will be moved to Rabindra Sadan. This is where people who admired and cared for him can say their last goodbyes.
Ustad’s famous work
Rashid Khan is well-known for singing the hit song “Aaoge Jab Tum” from the popular Bollywood movie “Jab We Met,” starring Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor. He has also lent his voice to various other Bollywood songs, including the title track of “Citylights” and the song “Ishq Ka Rang” from Aishwarya Rai’s film “Jazbaa.” Some of his other famous works include “Aaj Koi Jogee Aave” and “Kathyayini” from MTV Coke Studios, “Saeen Bina Darad Kareje Hoye” from Bhajan Gold, and “Rishte Naate” from “Dastak – A Bouquet Of Ghazals.”