Rashid Khan, 55, died on Tuesday after a brave battle with cancer for more than four years.
He is survived by a son, two daughters and a wife.
Arguably the last living legend of Rampur Sahaswan gayaki (singing style), Rashid Khan has been recognized as the 31st generation Sangeet Samrat Mian Tansen as detailed on his official website.
Known for his mastery of gayaki, ‘Vilambit Khayal’ has captivated millions of Hindustani vocal classical music enthusiasts for over three decades.
Born in Badayun, Uttar Pradesh, Rashid Khan received his initial training under his maternal great uncle, Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan.
He moved to Kolkata in April 1980 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 years old and in 1994 he gained recognition as a musician.
Deeply influenced by Hindustani classical music from an early age, Rashid Khan began music lessons under his grandfather Inayat Hussain Khan.
In terms of musical traditions, the gayaki of Rampur-Sahaswan share a close kinship with the Gwalior gharana. This particular style is defined by its moderately slow tempos, richly sonorous voice, and complex rhythmic playing.
Rashid Khan weaves together a story deeply influenced by maestros like Ustad Amir Khan and Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.
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A master in the art of tarana, much like his guru Nissar Hussain, he infused his renditions with a distinctly personal touch.
Rashid Khan excelled in Hindustani vocals but also showed his expertise in rendering music and contributed to blockbusters like “My Name is Khan”, “Jab We Met”, “Isaaq”, “Manto”, “Mausam”, “Bapi Bari Ja” . ”, “Kadambari” and “Mitin Masi”.
Rashid Khan has been recognized for his innovative approach, blending Hindustani vocals with genres such as Sufi and collaborating with Western instrumentalist icon Louis Banks. He engaged in ‘jugalbandis’ with sitarist Shahid Parvez.
Khan’s Rabindra Sangeet (songs of Rabindranath Tagore) album, ‘Baithaki Rabi’ released in mid-2000, showcased his versatility.
