The world of music mourns the loss of the celebrated maestro, Ustad Rashid Khan, who breathed his last on Wednesday while undergoing treatment for prostate cancer at a hospital in Kolkata. The 55-year-old maestro, acclaimed for his contributions to Hindustani classical music, passed away while on a ventilator and receiving oxygen support.
An official from the private hospital where Khan was undergoing treatment confirmed the unfortunate news, stating, “We tried our best but failed. He passed away at around 3:45 PM.” Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep sorrow over Khan’s demise, describing it as a significant loss to the music fraternity and the entire nation.
Khan’s health had faced a critical setback following a cerebral attack last month. Initially receiving treatment at the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, he later chose to continue his medical care exclusively in Kolkata. Initially responding positively to the treatment, Khan’s condition took a turn for the worse, leading to his untimely demise.
Hailing from Uttar Pradesh’s Badayun, Rashid Khan, the nephew of Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, embarked on his musical journey under the tutelage of his maternal grand-uncle, Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan (1909–1993). Recognized for his exceptional talent, Khan received initial training in Mumbai from his uncle Ghulam Mustafa Khan before delving deeper into the intricacies of Hindustani classical music under Nissar Hussain Khan in Badayun.
At the tender age of eleven, Khan marked his debut concert, followed by a significant performance at an ITC concert in Delhi in 1978. Subsequently, when his mentor Nissar Hussain Khan moved to the ITC Sangeet Research Academy (SRA) in Calcutta in April 1980, Rashid Khan, aged 14, also joined the academy, further honing his musical prowess.
Throughout his illustrious career, Khan showcased his versatility by blending classical Hindustani music with various musical genres. He engaged in experimental collaborations, including joint concerts with Western instrumentalist Louis Banks. Additionally, Khan displayed his adeptness in jugalbandis, sharing the stage with eminent musicians like sitarist Shahid Parvez, leaving an indelible mark in the world of music.
The untimely demise of Ustad Rashid Khan leaves a void in the realm of classical music, marking the end of an era and leaving behind a legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of music aficionados worldwide.
Sources By Agencies
