Legendary Classical Vocalist Pandit Jasraj Dies At 90
NEW DELHI : Legendary Hindustani classical vocalist and Padma Vibhushan Pandit Jasraj passed away at the age of 90. He died of cardiac arrest in New Jersey in the United States. The news was broken by his daughter, Durga Jasraj.
Pandit Jasraj breathed his last on Monday in New Jersey, US following a cardiac arrest at his home in New Jersey, his daughter Durga Jasraj said. He was 90. One of India’s greatest music legends, Pandit Jasraj leaves behind a storied legacy spanning almost eight decades.
“Bapuji is no more,” his daughter Durga, also a musician, told PTI over phone from Mumbai. She was inconsolable and could not speak any more.
Jasraj, who belonged to the Mewati Gharana, was in the US when the coronavirus-led lockdown happened and decided to stay back in that country. “With profound grief we inform that Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj ji breathed his last this morning at 5.15 EST due to a cardiac arrest at his home in New Jersey, USA,” a statement issued by his family said.
The year 2020 has brought about nothing but absolute sadness all around. Not just the pandemic, it is taking away the people who were adored by the world for the talent they were bestowed.
Pandit Jasraj’s demise is an irreparable loss for many. He took Hindustani Classical music to the world. Belonging to the Mewat Gharana, his musical career spanned for 80 years. His devotional songs were extremely famous as he had avid listeners not just in India, but in the world as well.
His legacy will never be forgotten. He is often touted as one of the greatest musical stalwarts this country has ever seen. His name is taken with that of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Bismillah Khan, Hariprasad Chaurasia, Zakir Hussain, and many more.
As soon as the news of his death was broken, the mood on the internet was extremely somber. The year has taken away way too many precious souls and with another loss, they are more heartbroken than ever.
Netizens took to Twitter to give their condolences, pay their respects, and thank him for his colossal contribution in Indian Classical music.
“With profound grief we inform that Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj ji breathed his last this morning at 5.15 EST due to a cardiac arrest at his home in New Jersey, USA,” a statement issued by his family read.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the maestro’s death has left a deep void in the country’s cultural sphere. “Not only were his renditions outstanding, he also made a mark as an exceptional mentor to several other vocalists. Condolences to his family and admirers worldwide. Om Shanti,” he tweeted.
President Ram Nath Kovind also condoled his death.”Music legend and unparalleled classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj’s passing makes me sad. Spanning a distinguished career of over 8 decades, Pandit Jasraj, a Padma Vibhushan recipient, enthralled people with soulful renditions. Condolence to his family, friends & music connoisseurs,” he tweeted.
Born in Haryana in 1930, his musical career spanned eight decades. Many of his notable stage performances were converted into music albums. He taught music in several countries including the United States and many of his students went on to become famous musicians.
He received several national and international awards in his career. He got Padma Shri – India’s fourth highest civilian award – in 1975; Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1887 and Padma Bhushan in 1999. In the year 2000, the government of India conferred him with Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian honour in the country.
(With Agency Inputs ).
