Classical singer Ustad Rashid Khan, known for his contributions to Hindustani classical music, passed away at 55 in a Kolkata hospital. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who visited him in the hospital, announced that the Kolkata police would give him a gun salute before his funeral on Wednesday.
The doctor attending to Khan mentioned that his health had worsened in the early hours of Tuesday, with fluctuating blood pressure and the need for ventilator support. Despite initial signs of improvement, he lost the battle against prostate cancer.
Mamata Banerjee expressed her disbelief and condolences, sharing that Khan’s body would be placed in Peace World and later at Rabindra Sadan for fans to pay their respects. After a gun salute, the final rites would take place at a burial ground in Tollygunge.
Ustad Rashid Khan, part of the Rampur Sahaswan gayaki, was the 31st generation of Sangeet Samrat Mian Tansen. Born in Badayuni, Uttar Pradesh, he shifted to Kolkata at age 10, giving his first concert at 11. Influenced by Ustad Amir Khan and Bhimsen Joshi, Khan excelled in Hindustani Classical Music and left his mark in Bengali and Hindi movies, including notable films like “Jab We Met” and “My Name is Khan.”
In addition to receiving prestigious awards like Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, Khan’s versatile talent earned him recognition from the West Bengal government, winning the Bangabushan in 2012. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son.
The Bengal Chief Minister mourned Khan’s loss, highlighting his significant impact on the country’s music fraternity. The news of his death has left the music world in mourning, with plans for a gun salute and state honors to commemorate his lasting legacy.
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