On Tuesday, Ustad Rashid Khan’s demise has led to an outpouring of grief from various figures in the music industry and beyond. The celebrated Hindustani classical music maestro passed away at the age of 55 after a four-year struggle with prostate cancer.

Tributes and condolences have poured in on X (formerly Twitter) from a range of personalities, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, singers Sonu Nigam, Harshdeep Kaur, Sona Mohapatra, and filmmaker Hansal Mehta, expressing their sorrow and remembering the legendary singer.

Music world grieves loss of Ustad Rashid Khan

Sonu Nigam, expressing his sorrow on Instagram, wrote a heartfelt tribute to the late Ustad Rashid Khan.

He said, “My dear Respected Elder Brother and the Pride of Classical Music of our Country Padmabhushan Ustad Rashid Khan Sahab. Aise koi jaata hai kya bhai? Akele akele (Does anybody go like this, all by yourself)? Saddened beyond words. Allah aapko jannat me aala makaam de. You’ll be missed always. Om Shanti.”

On X, Harshdeep Kaur expressed her deep sadness over the demise of Ustad Rashid Khan. She wrote, “Extremely sad news… Ustad Rashid Khan Ji passes away… this is a huge loss to the world of music. He will always be remembered for his excellence in music and his voice will reverberate in our hearts forever. Rest in Peace #RashidKhan Saab.”

Sona Mohapatra, sharing Ustad Rashid Khan’s rendition of Albela Sajan Aayo on X, wrote, “Ustaad Rashid Khan. A National Treasure. Attended his live concert in the Shanmukhananda auditorium just a few months ago & he was majestic & magical as always. On our playlists forever. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti.”

Hansal Mehta, Mamata Banerjee, Prasoon Joshi offer condolences

Hansal Mehta tweeted, expressing his sorrow, “Heartbreaking loss. Perhaps the greatest Hindustani classical vocalist of our generation is gone. Music maestro Ustad Rashid Khan passes away at the age of 55.”

Prasoon Joshi, sharing a picture with Ustad Rashid Khan, wrote, “My very dear friend, a legend & truly a voice through which the divine spoke to us – Rashid Khan’s demise is an irreparable loss to the world of music. Fortunate are those who heard him perform. He was an unparalleled treasure. Milenge Rashid bhai upar milenge (we will meet in heaven)… #Ustadrashidkhan.”

Mamata Banerjee expressed deep sorrow at the tragic demise of Ustad Rashid Khan, praising him as one of the greatest exponents of Indian classical music. She highlighted his significant contributions to Bengal and extended condolences to his family, emphasizing their close relationship and participation in the maestro’s final journey.

Ustad Rashid Khan, honored with Banga Bibhushan and Sangeet Mahasamman, held advisory roles in various State cultural bodies. Mamata Banerjee conveyed profound condolences to his family, including Soma and Armaan Khan, along with students and admirers worldwide. She recognized him as a world-renowned classical Indian vocal artist.

Prosenjit Chatterjee expressed condolences on X, mourning the loss of Ustad Rashid Khan and treasuring the magical musical memories. Recognized as the 31st generation of Sangeet Samrat Mian Tansen, Rashid Khan was a living legend of Rampur Sahaswan gayaki.

Deeply influenced by Hindustani classical music, he began his musical journey under his grandparent, Inayat Hussain Khan. Known for his mastery in ‘Vilambit Khayal’ gayaki, Rashid Khan’s influence extended to playback music in popular Bollywood films. His contributions include My Name is Khan, Jab We Met, Isaaq, Manto, Mausam, Bapi Bari Ja, Kadambari, and Mitin Masi.