Ustad Rashid Khan who leaves behind a legacy in Hindustani classical music
Rashid Khan, aged 55, passed away in a city hospital on Tuesday after valiantly battling cancer for over four years. He is survived by his son, two daughters, and wife.
Ustad Rashid Khan’s Early Life
Born in Badayun, Uttar Pradesh, Rashid Khan’s 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.
Unknown Facts About Ustad Rashid’s Life
- Deeply influenced by Hindustani classical music from an early age, Rashid Khan commenced his music lessons under the guidance of his grandparent, Inayat Hussain Khan.
- Ustad 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. Rashid Khan weaves together a narrative deeply influenced by maestros such as Ustad Amir Khan and Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.
- Proficient in the art of the tarana, much like his guru Nissar Hussain, he infused his renditions with a distinctive personal touch.
His Popular Movie Works
While excelling in Hindustani vocals, Ustad Rashid Khan also showcased his proficiency in playback music, contributing to blockbusters such as “My Name is Khan,” “Jab We Met,” “Isaaq,” “Manto,” “Mausam,” “Bapi Bari Ja,” “Kadambari,” and “Mitin Masi.”
Khan’s Rabindra Sangeet (songs of Rabindranath Tagore) album, ‘Baithaki Rabi,’ released in the mid-2000s, showcased his versatility.
Apart from Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards, Rashid Khan was conferred with the West Bengal government’s state honour, Bangabhusan in 2012.