Renowned Hindustani classical musician Ustad Rashid Khan, who had been in a battle with cancer, passed away on Tuesday afternoon at a private hospital in Kolkata, as announced by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He was 55 years old.
Expressing her sorrow, Banerjee remarked, "It is truly unfortunate. His demise at the age of 55 is a significant loss for our nation and all of us. He was like a brother to me, always addressing me as mother," she conveyed to reporters at the hospital. Khan had been admitted to an East Kolkata private hospital on November 22 the previous year, following an intracerebral hemorrhage.
A team of neurosurgeons opted for conservative treatment, and though he was showing signs of recovery, an infection acquired during his hospital stay took a toll. "He was placed on a ventilator early this morning. Despite our earnest efforts, we were unable to revive him," stated a senior doctor from the hospital, noting his passing at 3:45 pm.
Survived by his wife and two children, Ustad Khan had received the prestigious civilian award, Banga Bibhushan, and the Sangeet Mahasamman. Chief Minister Banerjee mentioned, "He was associated with various cultural bodies in our state in an advisory role," in a post on X. The classical vocalist had also been honored with the Padma Shri in 2006 and the Padma Bhushan in 2022.
Though born in Uttar Pradesh, Ustad Rashid Khan had a deep affection for West Bengal and chose to settle there. Banerjee recalled, "He used to address me as mother." His mortal remains will be housed in a mortuary, with a scheduled gun salute on Wednesday afternoon, followed by the final rites.
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