“Renowned classical music maestro Ustad Rashid Khan, aged 55, passed away today in a Kolkata hospital after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer. He is survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter. Emotional tributes are pouring in for the revered artist, with Sonu Nigam expressing his grief on Instagram, saying, ‘My respected elder brother and the pride of classical music, Padmabhushan Ustad Rashid Khan Sahab, has left us. Is it possible for someone to depart like this, all alone? Saddened beyond words. May Allah grant you a high place in heaven. You will always be missed.’ See his heartfelt post here.”
“Harshdeep Kaur, the singer, also conveyed her final tribute to Ustad Rashid Khan. She shared on her Instagram story, ‘Deeply saddened by the news… Ustad Rashid Khanji has left us… a significant loss to the music world. His musical brilliance will be a lasting memory, and his voice will echo in our hearts eternally. May Rashid Khan Saab rest in peace.'”
“Vishal Dadlani, the singer-composer, expressed on his Instagram story, ‘Such a profound loss! This news is truly devastating!'”
“Expressing deep sorrow, singer Javed Ali posted on Instagram, mourning the sudden loss of Ustad Rashid Khan Sahab, a prominent figure in the Indian music industry. Offering sincere condolences to his family and well-wishers, Javed Ali emphasized the enduring impact of Rashid Khan’s significant contributions to Indian music. May his soul rest in peace.”
Hailing from the Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana, the classical vocalist is the great-grandson of Inayat Hussain Khan, the founder of the gharana.
“I’ve received the news of his demise. It’s a significant loss for the entire nation and the music community as a whole. I am deeply distressed, as the reality of Rashid Khan’s passing still feels unreal,” expressed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the hospital, standing alongside his family members.