Ustad Rashid Khan Biography
Ustad Rashid Khan was a legendary Indian classical vocalist who belonged to the Rampur-Sahaswan gharana. He was known for his mastery of the vilambit khayal, a slow and elaborate style of singing. He was also influenced by the styles of Amir Khan and Bhimsen Joshi.
He received many awards and accolades for his contribution to the Hindustani music tradition, including the Padma Shri, the Padma Bhushan, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. He passed away on 9 January 2024 after a long battle with cancer.
In this post, I will walk you through Ustad Rashid Khan Biography, early life, career, family, net worth and more.
Ustad Rashid Khan Early Life and Education
Ustad Rashid Khan was born in Sahaswan, Budaun, Uttar Pradesh, on 1 July 1968, to Hamiz Reza Khan. He was 55 years old when he died. He was the great-grandson of Ustad Inayat Hussain Khan, the founder of the Rampur-Sahaswan gharana of Hindustani classical music. He had ten siblings, and his father was a farmer.
He received his initial training from his maternal grand-uncle, Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan, who was a renowned exponent of the khayal form. He also learned from his uncle, Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, who was among the first to note his musical talents.
Ustad Rashid Khan did his first concert at the age of 10 in 1978. In April 1980, when Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan moved to Kolkata, Rashid went along. He continued his training under his grand-uncle, who was a strict disciplinarian and a perfectionist. He would make Rashid practice one note of the scale for hours on end, and insist on voice training from four in the morning. Rashid later said that he hated these lessons as a child, but they helped him develop his vocal skills and mastery of taan and layakaari.
He completed his schooling from the Calcutta Boys’ School, and graduated from the University of Calcutta with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He also received a Sangeet Visharad degree from the Prayag Sangeet Samiti in Allahabad.
He was awarded a scholarship by the ITC Sangeet Research Academy in Kolkata, where he became a scholar and later a guru. He also received guidance from other eminent musicians, such as Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Jasraj, and Ustad Amir Khan.
Ustad Rashid Khan Career
Ustad Rashid Khan’s career journey was remarkable and inspiring. He started performing at the age of 11, and soon became one of the most sought-after vocalists of his generation. He was a scholar and a guru at the ITC Sangeet Research Academy in Kolkata, where he learned from and interacted with many eminent musicians.
He was known for his mastery of the khayal form, his versatile voice, and his ability to blend tradition and innovation. He sang in various genres, including film songs, ghazals, and thumris.
He received many awards and accolades, including the Padma Shri, the Padma Bhushan, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
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Date And Cause of Ustad Rashid Khan’s Death
Ustad Rashid Khan passed away on January 9, 2024, at the age of 55. He was suffering from prostate cancer and was admitted to a private hospital in Kolkata. His condition worsened after he had a cerebral attack in December. He was put on ventilator support the night before his demise.
Ustad Rashid Khan Personal Life, Wife and Children
Ustad Rashid Khan was married to Soma Khan, who is also known as Joyeeta Basu Khan. She is the managing director of Rashid Khan’s Sangeet Academy, a music school in Kolkata.
He had three children, two daughters and one son, who are also pursuing music as their careers. His daughters are Suha Khan and Shaona Khan, and his son is Armaan Khan.
He was a devout Muslim and followed the teachings of Sufism. He often sang Sufi songs and ghazals in his concerts. He also performed at various religious festivals and events.
Ustad Rashid Khan Net Worth
Ustad Rashid Khan’s estimated net worth was $4 million USD, which is INR 30 crores, as of 2023. He earned his income from his musical career, his concerts, his music school, and his endorsements.
Ustad Rashid Khan Social Media Handles
- Instagram: @rashidkhanmusic
- Facebook: Ustad Rashid Khan
- Twitter: @rashidkhanustaad
