Kolkata: Renowned Hindustani classical musician Ustad Rashid Khan, aged 55, passed away on Tuesday afternoon in a private Kolkata hospital, following a battle with cancer, as announced by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Hailing from the Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana, closely associated with the Gwalior gharana, Khan was known for his distinctive style characterized by medium-slow tempos, a resonant voice, and intricate rhythmic nuances.
Expressing her condolences, Banerjee described the loss as unfortunate, emphasizing Khan’s significance to the nation and expressing a personal connection, stating, “It is a great loss for the nation and for all of us. He was like my brother. He used to call me mother.”
Khan had been admitted to a private hospital in east Kolkata on November 22 last year due to an intracerebral hemorrhage. Despite showing signs of recovery, complications arose as he developed a hospital-acquired infection during his extended stay. A team of neurosurgeons, after opting for conservative treatment, placed him on a ventilator early in the morning on the day of his demise. Regrettably, despite their efforts, Khan could not be revived, marking the end of a significant chapter in the world of Hindustani classical music.