
The renowned music maestro Ustad Rashid Khan, who was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer at a Kolkata hospital, passed away today. The 55-year-old artist, receiving oxygen support on a ventilator, succumbed to his illness around 3:45 PM, as confirmed by an official from the private hospital where Khan was admitted.
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep sorrow over his death, describing it as a significant loss for the entire country and the music fraternity.
Khan’s health had deteriorated following a cerebral attack last month. Initially treated at Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, he later chose to continue his treatment exclusively in Kolkata. Despite initially responding positively to the treatment, his condition worsened. Born in Uttar Pradesh’s Badayun, Rashid Khan, the nephew of Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, began his musical journey under the guidance of his maternal grand-uncle, Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan (1909–1993).

Recognized for his musical talents by his uncle Ghulam Mustafa Khan, Rashid Khan received his early training in Mumbai and continued his education under Nissar Hussain Khan in Badayun. At the age of eleven, he gave his debut concert, followed by a notable performance at an ITC concert in Delhi in 1978. Rashid Khan joined the ITC Sangeet Research Academy in Calcutta in April 1980, following his guru Nissar Hussain Khan’s transition to the academy.
Over the years, Khan explored blending classical Hindustani music with lighter genres and engaged in experimental collaborations, including concerts with Western instrumentalist Louis Banks. Displaying his versatility, he participated in jugalbandis, sharing the stage with sitarist Shahid Parvez and other musicians.