Renowned Indian classical vocalist Ustad Rashid Khan has passed away at the age of 55 after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer. The maestro had been receiving treatment at a Kolkata hospital, where he was on oxygen support and ventilation in the ICU. His health had deteriorated following a cerebral attack in December.
West 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 Chief Minister visited the hospital and described him as a “truly world-famous classical Indian vocal artist” in a heartfelt condolence message shared on social media.
Ustad Rashid Khan, belonging to the ‘Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana,’ received his initial training from acclaimed artistes such as Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan and Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan. Displaying prodigious talent, he performed his first concert at the age of 11 and earned recognition as a musician by the ITC Sangeet Research Academy at the age of 26.
Born in Badayun, Uttar Pradesh, in 1968, Ustad Rashid Khan was the great-grandson of gharana founder Inayat Hussain Khan. His official website notes him as a ’31st generation descendant of Mian Tansen.’ Throughout his illustrious career, Khan received several accolades, including the Padma Shri, Banga Bhushan award, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. In 2022, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards.
Expressing her admiration for the late musician, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee highlighted, “Ustad Rashid Khan got our highest civilian award Banga Bibhushan and our Sangeet Mahasamman too. He was attached to several of our State cultural bodies in an advisory capacity.”
Ustad Rashid Khan’s contributions to Indian classical music and his impact on preserving the heritage of the Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the country. His demise is mourned by music enthusiasts and the broader community.
