Renowned Vocalist Pandit Jasraj passes away

New Delhi/Washington: Legendary Indian classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj passed away in the United States due to cardiac arrest, his family confirmed on Monday evening.

“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, US,” a statement issued by his family said.

The 90-year-old Padma Vibhushan awardee was living in New Jersey, US.

The legendary musician, belonging to Mewati Gharana, was born on January 28, 1930 in Pili Mandori, a village in Hisar, Haryana.

He began training as a vocalist at the age of 14. He initially trained as a classical vocalist with Pandit Maniram, and later with Jaiwant Singh Waghela, a vocalist and beenkar, and then with Gulam Qadir Khan of Mewati Gharana.

He devoted his entire life to classic music and taught people all across the world. He was a recipient of Padma Shri; Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.

President Ram Nath Kovid condoled the demise of the legend. “Music legend and unparalleled classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj’s passing makes me sad. Spanning a distinguished career of over eight decades, Pandit Jasraj, a Padma Vibhushan recipient, enthralled people with soulful renditions. Condolence to his family, friends & music connoisseurs,” Mr Kovid wrote on his official Twitter handle.

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,” Mr Modi tweeted.

Grammy and Oscar awardee A R Rahman said the Indian classical music has lost one of its shining stars

Former late prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was one of the greatest admirers of the musician and called him ‘rasraj’. (UNI)