New Delhi: North Indian classical music’s enduring legend, Pandit Jasraj, passed away in the US on Monday, August 17, following a cardiac arrest. He was 90.
Jasraj, a vocalist known for his distinctive rich voice, belonged to the Mewati style or gharana. He was noted for infusing the customary bandishes with elements of other gharanas. His ability and tendency to improvise at every recital drew crowds until the very end.
Of the several awards he has won in a career spanning 80 years, are the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. A minor planet, between Mars and Jupiter, is named after Jasraj.
Born in 1930, in Haryana’s Hisar district, Jasraj came from a family rich with musicians. His father Pandit Motiram, too, was a noted vocalist, as were his brothers Pandit Pratap Narayan and Pandit Maniram. Jasraj’s nephews Jatin and Lalit form the famous Bollywood composers’ duo.
He is survived by his wife Madhura Shantaram and his children, Shaarang Dev Pandit and Durga Jasraj.
Jasraj’s death has been condoled by several on social media.