One of the most celebrated classical singers of modern times, Ustad Rashid Khan Sahab, was perhaps the most respected too. Apart from his extensive work in the field of classical music, he is also known for his popular film songs like “Aaoge Jab Tum O Sajna” and “Allah Hi Reham,” along with his classical renditions of “Yaad Piya Ki Aaye,” and many more.
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Willum Skeener
Born on July 1st, 1968, in Sahaswan, Budaun, he belongs to the Rampur-Sahaswan gharana, and was the great-grandson of gharana founder Inayat Hussain Khan. He received his initial training from his maternal grand-uncle, Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan (1909–1993). He was also the nephew of Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan.
The Training
His musical talents were first recognized by his uncle, Ghulam Mustafa Khan, who provided initial training in Mumbai. However, the primary training was received from Nissar Hussain Khan, initially at his residence in Badayun.
At the age of eleven, Rashid Khan delivered his debut concert, and in the subsequent year, 1978, he graced the stage at an ITC concert in Delhi. At fourteen, he joined the ITC Sangeet Research Academy in Kolkata. It was here that his musical abilities were honed to perfection. Ustad Rashid Khan was known for his full-throated voice and his ability to weave intricate rhythmic patterns with ease. His style was deeply rooted in the traditions of the Rampur-Sahaswan gharana, yet he brought his own unique flair to the performances. His renditions of vilambit khayals were particularly noted for their slow and elaborate explorations of ragas.
He was a complete musician, a rare and unique combination of beautiful voice, a dynamic style, fluid taans, and tranquil aalaap, he truly lacked nothing in his musical pursuits. Excelling in every aspect of his field, he also ventured into film music, demonstrating his versatility and broad talent.
After his training at ITC Sangeet Research Academy in Kolkata, He continued his association with it as a teacher of music, Rashid Khan served as Guru at the Academy till 1998.
The Maestro
His first album “Raga Bageshri / Desh” came in 1991, followed by more than 35 more albums, which include “Rashid Khan Live In Concert (1993),” “Raga Yaman / Raga Kirwani (1994),” “Khyal (1996),” “Saajan More Ghar Aao(1998),” “The Song of Shiva (2000),” “A Maestro in the Making (2000), “Naina Piya Se,” “Yatra,” “Voice of India (2002), “Morning Mantra (2003),” “Yearning (2006),” “Reflection (2006),” “Hey Bhagwan,” “Shabad Kirtan Gurbani (2008),” “Kabir (2009),” “Nirgun (2010),” “Poore Se Zara Sa Kam Hai – Mausam,” “Krishna (2013),” “Ishq Lamhe (2013),” Classical Wonders of India (2015),” “Jazbaa (2016),” and many more
In a story told in several versions, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi once remarked that Rashid Khan was the “assurance for the future of Indian vocal music”. Rashid Khan himself was influenced by the work of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and Ustad Amir Khan Sahab, which he expressed on many occasions.
One of his most revered compositions is his rendition of Raga Bhairavi, featured in the album “Tansen.” This piece showcases Ustad Rashid Khan’s exceptional command over both the vocal technique of Dhrupad and the Khayal style of singing. Another notable contribution is his classical collection, which includes pieces like “Payal Moro Baje” in Raag Shyam Kalyan, “Tanana Tana Darena” in Raag Jhinjhoti, and “Matwari Koliya” in Raag Bahar.
One of his most revered compositions is his rendition of Raga Bhairavi, featured in the album “Tansen.” This piece showcases Ustad Rashid Khan’s exceptional command over both the vocal technique of Dhrupad and the Khayal style of singing. Another notable contribution is his classical collection, which includes pieces like “Payal Moro Baje” in Raag Shyam Kalyan, “Tanana Tana Darena” in Raag Jhinjhoti, and “Matwari Koliya” in Raag Bahar.
One of his standout performances came with “Yaad Piya Ki Aaye,” originally composed by Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, which is a beautiful blend of classical nuances and mainstream appeal.
Ustad Rashid Khan also ventured into the realm of film music, lending his voice to compositions that bridged the gap between classical and popular music. His first film song came in Subhash Gahi’s “Kisna (2005),” where he sang “Kaahe Ujaadi Mori Neend Kisna” and “Tore Bina Mohe Chain Nahin Brij Ke Nandlala.” He then sang “Biya Biya,” and “Garaje Ghata,” in Gautam Ghosh’s Yatra (2007).
His most popular film song came in Imtiyaz Ali’s “Jab We Met (2009),” where he did magic with one of the most beautiful love songs of Indian cinema, “Aaoge Jab Tum.” He went on to sing many songs including “Bhor Bhayo (Morning Walk),” “Allah Hi Reham (My Name is Khan),” “Poore Se Zara Sa Kam Hai (Mausam),” “Aiyo Piyaji (Chakravyuh),” Bol Ke Lab Azaad Hain (Manto),” “Sakhi Ri Piya Ko Jo Main Naa Dekhoon (Vodka Diaries),” “Chanda Se Chhup Ke Mohe Bulaaye (Goldfish),” “Laagi Lagan (Shastry Virudh Shastry),” and many more.
Ustad Rashid Khan was awarded the Padma Shri, as well as the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2006. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian award, in 2022 by the Indian Government in the field of Art.
The celebrated music maestro, who was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer at a hospital in Kolkata, passed away on on January 9, 2024. The 55-year-old artist, was on a ventilator and was receiving oxygen support. His death was mourned by many who had been touched by his soul-stirring performances.
Ustad’s work will always be celebrated for its depth, technical brilliance, and emotive power, reflecting the rich traditions of the Rampur-Sahaswan gharana.
