Author : Aarohi Agarwal
Image Source : thefederal.com
From his captivating debut at just the age of 11, Ustad Rashid Khan’s musical journey has been absolutely thrilling to witness. Hailing from the illustrious Rampur-SahaswanGharana, his mesmerizing vocals knew no bounds. Throughout his career, his enchanting musical talent captivated Bollywood enthusiasts and fans of Indian classical music. As the maestro took his last breath at the age of 55, so many great singers came together to pay their respects and tributes.
Rekha Bhardwaj said “Meri zindagikasabsedukhaddin !Devastated ! I donot want to believe it !”, while another Bollywood iconic singer Sonu Nigam posted, “My dear Respected Elder Brother and the Pride of Classical Music of our Country PadmabhushanUstad Rashid Khan Sahab. Aise koi jaatahaikyabhai? Akeleakele? Saddened beyond words. Allah aapkojannat me aalamakaam de. You’ll be missed always. शांति”. One of the industry’s renowned lyricists Prasoon Joshi said, “My very dear friend, a legend & truly a voice through which the divine spoke to us – Rashid Khan’s demise is an irreparable loss to the world of music. Fortunate are those who heard him perform. He was an unparalleled treasure. Milenge Rashid bhaiuparmilenge (we will meet in heaven)…”.
Even people who do not really listen to Hindustani Classical music came together to pay respect to the music maestro. Now that Indians are living in a world without his soul-stirring vocals, let’s remember the artist and his most memorable work throughout his entire journey.
Debut at just the age of 11!!
Ustad Rashid Khan was born in Badayun, Uttar Pradesh, and is a direct descendant of MianTansen. The artist got his initial training in the art from his maternal grand-uncle, UstadNissar Hussain Khan, and under his training, Khan not only assimilated taals and ragas but also inestimable discipline. The rigorous training sessions started before sunrise that continued with relentless practice of notes, and ragas. This is something that the maestro carried forward in his life, and throughout his career, he proved that his contribution to the landscape of Indian classical music was both meteoric and transformative.
He had his first concert at the tender age of 11 which was just the start of a beautiful, mesmerizing, and soulful saga, resonating through generations. At just the age of 14, he moved to Kolkata with his grandfather and joined the ITC Sangeet Research Academy.
Khan’s vocal prowess knew no boundaries, especially his efficiency in vilambitkhayalgayaki, an emblem of the maestro’s artistry. Ustad Rashid Khan was an upholder of the Rampur-Sahaswangayaki which is closely related to the Gwalior gharana. This type of gayaki or singing requires a full-throated voice and features medium-slow tempos and a convoluted rhythmic play. His renderings stand out as Ustad’s melodic elaboration was filled with emotional overtones that are simply too soul-moving to ignore. A website dedicated to him explained this with a quote from the singer himself, stating, “The emotional content may be in the alaap, sometimes while singing the bandish, or while giving expression to the meaning of the lyrics.”
Intuitive singing and exceptional expertise
Legends like Bhimsen Joshi and Amir Khan influenced Rashid Khan’s singing style. However, the singer also included the slow elaboration in his vilambitkhayals, which was an addition from his first guru, his maternal granduncle. With conscientious practice, he also developed a unique expertise in using sargams and sargamtaankari. Like his guru, Rashid Khan was also a master of tarana, however, later in his career, his style of rendition became his signature in the landscape of Indian classical music.
Renowned singer UshaUthup described Rashid Khan as “one of the best vocalists in the world” and the “complete consummate singer”.
Throughout his career, Ustad kept reinventing himself and his musical skills. He experimented with fusing lighter musical genres like Sufi music with pure Hindustani classical music which gave the listeners a beautiful creation of NainaPiya Se (Amir Khusro). He also participated in experimental concerts with western instrumentalist Louis Banks along with his popular jugalbandiperformances with sitaristShahidParvez and others.
Soulful music from Rashid Khan that is a must-hear
Aaoge Jab Tum Saajna (Jab We Met) by Sandesh Shandilya
The soul-stirring track ‘Aaoge Jab Tum’ is arguably the most popular track voiced by Rashid Khan that gives a soul-stirring experience to even the most mainstream Bollywood audience. This song, penned by Faaiz Anwar was brought to life by Rashid Khan’s enchanting vocals featured in the film Jab We Met. In a moving revelation, the music composer Sandesh Shandilya highlighted the uniqueness that Ustad Ji brought to the composition.
BhorBhayo, Manwa (Morning Walk) by JeetGanguly
In this song, Shreya Ghoshal collaborated with the maestro, which was featured in the film ‘Morning Walk’. The music was composed by JeetGanguly and is a perfect reflection of the singer’s skill. The soulful track is enough to give the listeners a glimpse of Hindustani classical music, and its richness along with a serene musical experience. On his sad demise, the composer commented, “Rest in peace Ustad Rashid Khan—This is the way I will always remember you. It’s an irreparable loss for the entire music fraternity …kiunaisechalegayeaap, itnibhikyajaldithi?? Om Shanti”
Allah Hi Rahem (My Name is Khan) by Shankar Ehsaan Loy
Another song that gained mainstream success was Rashid Khan’s contribution to SRK’s My Name is Khan, ‘Allah Hi Rahem’. Composed by Shankar Ehsaan Loy, this song and Ustad Rashid Khan’s bewitching vocals successfully create a spiritually sonorous ambiance that contributes greatly to the emotional depth of both the track and the film’s plot.
Poore se zarasa (Mausam) by Pritam Chakraborty
Rashid Khan’s melodic mastery was captured beautifully by music director Pritam Chakraborty when the two collaborated on a Bollywood classic, ‘Poore se zarasa’. This song, which was featured in Shahid Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor starrer Mausam, captures the essence of love and longing, which came alive with the emotional vocals from Ustad Ji.
BolKe Lab Azad Hai Tere (Manto), composed by SnehaKhanwalkar
Rashid Khan’s touching rendition of ‘BolKe Lab Azad Hai Tere’ in Manto perfectly captures the essence of free expression. The film’s message and the plot’s importance are soulfully reflected in Ustad Ji’s vocals, delivering a powerful, and reminiscent musical experience for the audience.
Highlighting achievements of Rashid Khan’s career
The vocalist and the musical genius’ contribution to both Hindustani classical music and Bollywood were duly recognized with prestigious honors and awards. He received India’s one of the highest awards, Padma Shri, and the honorary SangeetNatakAkademi Award in 2006. In 2022, he was also awarded Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian award, by the Indian Government in the field of Art. The West Bengal Government also awarded Ustad Rashid Khan with the states honorary BangaBibhushan and SangeetMahasamman.
His ability to transcend genres, his dedication to the classical art form, and his commitment to preserving the musical legacy of his gharana made him an icon in the landscape of Hindustani classical music. Now as the entire country mourns the loss of a remarkable music talent, Rashid Khan’s contribution to the world of Indian music will continue to echo through the corridors of music listeners’ hearts.
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