Legendary Hindustani classical vocalist and Padma Vibhushan awardee Pandit Jasraj passed away on Monday in New Jersey. Jasraj, one of the most illustrious doyens of the Mewati Gharana, was in the US when the coronavirus-led lockdown happened and decided to stay back in that country. One of India’s greatest music legends, Pandit Jasraj leaves behind a storied legacy spanning almost eight decades.
Pt Jasraj has been awarded numerous accolades and titles. He is credited to bring to the fore the unique distinct style of the Mewati gharana to the world of Hindustani classical music.
A Padma Vibhushan awardee, Pandit Jasraj had the honour of a minor planet, between Mars and Jupiter, being named after him. International Astronomical Union (IAU) had named minor planet 2006 VP32 (number -300128), discovered on November 11, 2006 , as ‘Panditjasraj’.
He was also awarded Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan besides many other honours.
Apart from being a legend in his own right, Jasraj also mentored several other exponents of the Mewati gharana, including cultural historian Mukund Lath, who passed away earlier this month. It is due to Jasraj’s efforts, along with his apprentices such as Lath, that the Mewati gharana has become one of the most recognisable genres of Hindustani classical music. Jasraj’s other renowned students include Saptarshi Chakraborty, Sanjeev Abhyankar, violinist Kala Ramnath, flautist Shashank Subramanyam, and Bollywood playback singers Anuradha Paudwal and Sadhana Sargam among many others.
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.
The unfortunate demise of Pandit Jasraj Ji leaves a deep void in the Indian 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. pic.twitter.com/6bIgIoTOYB
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 17, 2020
President Ramnath Kovind wrote on classical singer’s demise, “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.”
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.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 17, 2020