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 contributed to film music. Some of his most popular film songs include “Aaoge Jab Tum O Sajna” and “Allah Hi Reham,” along with his classical renditions of “Yaad Piya Ki Aaye” and many more.
Early Life
Rashid Khan was born in Sahaswan, Badaun, Uttar Pradesh. He belonged to the Rampur-Sahaswan gharana, founded by his great-grandfather, Inayat Hussain Khan, a court singer in Rampur. His mother, Shakhri Begum, also came from a musical family. She passed away when Rashid was four, leaving him with his father and paternal aunt. His younger brother died early, deepening his early loneliness. He enjoyed kabaddi and cricket, showing little initial interest in music despite his tuneful voice.
His musical talents were first recognized by his uncles. Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan (1909–1993). and Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan. His maternal grand-uncle, Ustad Nisar Hussain Khan, gave him his early lessons. Nisar insisted on voice exercises from 4 a.m., making him practice a single note for hours. His uncle, Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, also trained him briefly in Mumbai.
The Training
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 in ITC, where he gave his musical abilities the shine and perfection.
Ustad Rashid Khan had a full-throated voice, and his ability to weave intricate rhythmic patterns with ease was next to none. His style was deeply rooted in the traditions of the Rampur-Sahaswan gharana. But at the same time, 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 a 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. He founded the Shakhri Begum Memorial Trust in 1999 to honor his mother, later establishing Sangeet Graam in Agartala in 2010.
Ustad Rashid Khan—The Maestro
His first album, “Raga Bageshri / Desh,” came out in 1991. He followed it 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 a big admirer of the work of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and Ustad Amir Khan Sahab, which he expressed on many occasions.
Ustad Rashid Khan – On Stage
Rashid mastered the Rampur-Sahaswan gayaki, known for medium-slow tempos and intricate rhythms. He excelled in vilambit khayals, drawing from Ustad Amir Khan and Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, yet created a unique style. His expertise in sargams and sargam taankari stood out. He preferred khayal over instrumental tarana styles, adding emotional depth to his renditions. His voice balanced robustness and delicacy, captivating listeners with unhurried explorations of ragas like Darbari and Malkauns.
Rashid’s voice drew global audiences with its sonorous quality and flexibility. He performed 20 concerts monthly at his peak, filling auditoriums. His slow-burn performances in Todi and Darbari showcased breath control and melodic precision. Collaborations with Louis Banks and jugalbandis with Shahid Parvez expanded his reach. His playback singing in films like “Jab We Met” introduced classical music to new listeners, earning him the highest fees among contemporaries.
Other Work
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 In Films
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 Ghai‘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.
Personal Life
Rashid married Joyeeta (Soma) Basu, a Bengali MBA student, in 1991 at age 23. They met at a wedding reception, overcoming family opposition with Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan’s support. Soma runs the Shakhri Begum Memorial Trust and Rashid Khan Academy. They had two daughters, Suha and Shaona, and a son, Armaan. Suha embraced Sufi music, while Shaona and Armaan trained at his academy.
Legacy
Ustad Rashid Khan gets the Padma Shri, as well as the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2006. In 2022, he gets the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award.
The celebrated music maestro, who was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer at a hospital in Kolkata, passed away on January 9, 2024. The 55-year-old artist, was on a ventilator and was receiving oxygen support. A generation of music lovers mourned his demise. The generation who had been touched by his soul-stirring performances.
Ustad’s work will always be celebrated for its depth, technical brilliance, and emotive power. He was the true reflection of the rich traditions of the Rampur-Sahaswan gharana.
Ustad Rashid Khan on IMDB
