Music maestro Rashid Khan dies at 55, was battling cancer

Music maestro Rashid Khan died at a Kolkata hospital after a long battle with cancer. The Padma Bhushan awardee was 55. His body will be kept in Peerless Hospital in Kolkata till 6 pm. It will be sent to Peace Haven, Kolkata, for fans to pay their last respects. He will be laid to rest on January 10.

RASHID KHAN DIES

Music maestro Rashid Khan died on January 9. He was undergoing treatment at a Kolkata hospital for a prolonged period due to cancer. He was 55 years old. Reportedly, his health had been declining since he suffered a cerebral attack last year.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee offered her condolences and announced that Ustad Rashid Khan would receive a gun salute as part of his final rites tomorrow (January 10). She said Khan was "one of the greatest exponents of Indian classical music of our times" and added that the musician made people proud by making Bengal his home.

"He and Soma, his wife, and son Armaan, and the whole family, were close to us and allowed us to be on their side in the maestro's last journey in life," added Mamata Banerjee.

Ustad Rashid Khan's body will be placed at Rabindra Sadan in Kolkata for people to pay their last respects.

The music maestro was awarded the Padma Bhusan in 2022.

RASHID KHAN'S BODY OF WORK

Rashid Khan was known for his soulful renditions. Throughout his career, Rashid Khan received numerous accolades and awards, including the Padma Shri and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, among others, in recognition of his contribution to Indian classical music. His performances in prestigious music festivals and concerts worldwide have further solidified his reputation as a maestro of Hindustani classical music. He has contributed to songs such as 'Aaoge Jab Tum', 'Aaj Koi Jogee Aave', 'Rishte Naate', 'Ishq Ka Rang', and several others.

Moreover, Rashid Khan's legacy extends beyond his own performances. He has also been actively involved in mentoring and teaching young talents, contributing to the preservation and propagation of Hindustani classical music for future generations.

His recordings, live performances, and dedication to the art form have secured his place as one of the most distinguished and revered vocalists in the realm of Indian classical music, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire aspiring musicians and music enthusiasts alike.