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Ustad Rashid Khan is perhaps the most talented, and the youngest member of the Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana at present. The great grandson of the legendary Ustad Inayat Hussain Khan Sahab, the founder of the Rampur Sahaswan Gharana, he features among the most prominent Hindustani classical vocalists of the country.
The Rampur-Sahaswangayaki is closely related to the Gwalior Gharana. The gharana style is also known for the diversity and intricacy of the taans. Although, initially, he was not inclined towards learning music, Ustad Khan eventually went on to learn music under the tutelage of Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan and Ustad Nissar Husain Khan, two doyens of the same gharana. Through his rigorous training and, of course, by virtue of a rigorous riyaz regimen,Ustad Rashid Khan has made a niche for himself in the field of India music.
Today, he turns 51.
Ustad Rashid Khan is known for his experiments and innovations in Hindustani classical music. His swar-prayog or application of notes has been a trendsetter of sorts.
In his book TheLost World of Hindustani Music, Kumaraprasad Mukherjee writes:
Ustad Rashid Khan is not a name familiar only to folks who keep track of Indian classical music. He is today a popular name among the younger generation also. Who can forget Aaoge Jab Tum O Saajana from the Kareena-Shahid starrer Jab We Met or Allah Hi Reham in the Shah Rukh Khan starrer My Name is Khan? Though it’s rare to find Indian classical vocalists in the arena of Bollywood music, Ustad Rashid Khan has created a great fan following with his contribution to Hindi film music.
Today, he is one the mostsought after vocalists of the country. His renderings stand out for their emotional overtones, delivered in his idiosyncratic melodic elaboration.
Today we can be assured that the new generation won’t be strangers to classicalHindustani music tradition as long as practitioners like Ustad Rashid Khans are around.
Many happy returns ofthe day to the ustad!
(The writer is an ardent music lover. He is currently Secretary, K.K. Kapoor Sangeet Research Academy, Lucknow)
This story was first published on July 1, 2015 and is being republished to mark the singer’s birthday.
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