In a somber moment for the world of classical music, the illustrious Ustad Rashid Khan bid farewell on Tuesday (January 9) while undergoing treatment for prostate cancer in a Kolkata hospital. The 55-year-old maestro, who required oxygen support and was on a ventilator, succumbed to the relentless battle against the debilitating disease.
Hospital staff shared that despite their unwavering efforts, Ustad Rashid Khan breathed his last at approximately 3:45 PM. The virtuoso, who suffered a cerebrovascular accident last month, witnessed a gradual decline in his health. Initially seeking treatment at Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, he later opted for care in Kolkata. Although there were positive signs initially, the musician’s condition took a turn for the worse.
Born in Uttar Pradesh and a nephew of the legendary Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, Rashid Khan’s journey in music began under the tutelage of his maternal grand-uncle, Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan (1909–1993). His uncle Ghulam Mustafa Khan, recognizing his musical prowess, provided initial training in Mumbai. Subsequently, Nissar Hussain Khan played a pivotal role in honing his skills at his Badayun residence.
Rashid Khan graced the stage at the tender age of eleven, marking his debut, and by 1978, he showcased his talents at an ITC concert in Delhi. At the age of 14, in April 1980, he enrolled in the ITC Sangeet Research Academy (SRA) in Calcutta, following the footsteps of his mentor Nissar Hussain Khan.
The maestro, known for his innovation, ventured into blending lighter musical genres with classical Hindustani music. He collaborated with Western instrumentalist Louis Banks and displayed his versatility in jugalbandis, sharing the stage with musicians like sitarist Shahid Parvez.
Ustad Rashid Khan’s departure leaves a void in the world of classical music, but his legacy of soul-stirring melodies and unmatched contributions to the art form will continue to resonate with music enthusiasts worldwide.
