The legendary Ustad Rashid Khan, a maestro of classical music, breathed his last on Tuesday afternoon. The 55-year-old icon succumbed to his arduous battle with cancer at a private hospital in Kolkata, leaving behind a void that resonates across borders.
The news of Ustad Rashid Khan’s passing reverberated through the music fraternity, triggering an outpouring of tributes from artists who revered the maestro for his profound impact on the world of melody. From Indian playback sensation Sonu Nigam to Pakistani talents Ali Sethi and Farhan Saeed, heartfelt messages flooded social media platforms, underscoring the universality of Khan’s influence.
Renowned qawwali singer Javed Bashir, acknowledging the loss as “irreplaceable,” and singer Harshdeep Kaur, recognizing the colossal impact of Khan’s contributions, joined a chorus of grief that transcended borders.
Singer-composer Vishal Dadlani and Javed Ali, expressing shock and sorrow, encapsulated the collective sentiment of an industry grappling with the untimely departure of a musical giant.
Born in Badayun, Uttar Pradesh, Ustad Rashid Khan hailed from a prestigious musical lineage, tracing his roots to the founder of the Rampur Sehaswan gharana, Ustad Inayat Hussain Khan. Despite early diversions into cricket and kabaddi, destiny guided him to the tutelage of Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan, paving the way for a musical journey that resonated across generations.
Ustad Rashid Khan’s musical prowess transcended boundaries. His enchanting performances at national music conferences and collaborations with luminaries like Pt Ravi Shankar and Ustad Vilayat Khan earned him accolades as a versatile talent. Dabbling in diverse genres, including film songs and ghazals, Khan captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
In the poignant words of the maestro himself, “Barsega saawan, barsega saawan jhoom jhoom ke” — the rain will pour down, dancing in joy — forever encapsulating the timeless beauty of his musical journey.
