 "Music maestro Ustad Rashid Khan dies at 55 in Kolkata, was battling cancer")
Classical singer Ustad Rashid Khan, aged 55, passed away in a city hospital on Tuesday after valiantly battling cancer for over four years. The maestro, who is survived by his son, two daughters and wife, left an enduring legacy with soul-stirring notes, his melodious voice echoing through time with an indelible imprint on the rich heritage of Hindustani music.
Possibly the last living legend of Rampur Sahaswan gayaki (style of singing), Rashid Khan (pictured) was recognised as the 31st generation of Sangeet Samrat Mian Tansen, as detailed on his official website.
Known for his mastery in the “Vilambit Khayal” gayaki, he captivated millions of Hindustani vocal classical music enthusiasts for more than three decades.
Born in Badayun, Uttar Pradesh, his initial training was under his maternal grand-uncle, Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan. In April 1980, he relocated 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.
While demonstrating a shared mastery of instrumental stroke-based styles, reminiscent of Nissar Hussain’s renown, Rashid Khan gravitated towards the khayal style, presenting it in a manner uniquely his own.
While excelling in Hindustani vocals, Rashid Khan also showcased his proficiency in playback music, lending his voice to hits in films such as My Name is Khan (2010), Jab We Met (2007) and Manto (2018).
Rashid Khan was recognised for his innovative approach, blending Hindustani vocals with genres like Sufi and collaborating with Western instrumentalist icon Louis Banks. He engaged in jugalbandis with sitar artist Shahid Parvez.
Apart from Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards, Rashid Khan was conferred with the West Bengal government’s state honour, Bangabhusan, in 2012.