Music Maestro Ustad Rashid Khan Passes Away Fighting Cancer, Mamata Banerjee Expresses Sorrow

On Tuesday (9 January), the renowned music maestro Ustad Rashid Khan, who had been undergoing treatment for prostate cancer at a Kolkata hospital, passed away.

The 55-year-old artist, who was on a ventilator and receiving oxygen support, succumbed to the illness at approximately 3:45 pm, according to an official quoted by Hindustan Times from the private hospital where he was admitted.

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep sorrow over Rashid Khan's demise, stating, "This is a great loss for the entire country and the entire music fraternity. I am in a lot of pain as I still can't believe that Rashid Khan is no more."

The artist's health deteriorated following a cerebral attack last month. Initially seeking treatment at Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, the 55-year-old musician chose to continue exclusive treatment in Kolkata at a later stage, with early positive responses, as per insider reports.

Hailing from Badayun, Uttar Pradesh, Rashid Khan, also the nephew of Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, received his initial training from his maternal grand-uncle Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan (1909–1993).

Recognising his musical talents, Ghulam Mustafa Khan provided initial training in Mumbai, while the primary training was under Nissar Hussain Khan, initially at his residence in Badayun.

At 11, Rashid Khan delivered his debut concert, and in 1978, at the age of 14, he performed at an ITC concert in Delhi. In April 1980, when Nissar Hussain Khan transitioned to the ITC Sangeet Research Academy (SRA) in Calcutta, Rashid Khan also joined the academy.

Venturing into blending classical Hindustani music with lighter genres, he participated in experimental collaborations, including concerts with Western instrumentalist Louis Banks. Additionally, he showcased his versatility through jugalbandis, sharing the stage with sitarist Shahid Parvez and other musicians.