Rashid Khan Biography

Ustad Rashid Khan, a distinguished classical vocalist, earned widespread acclaim for his mastery of Indian classical music. Born on July 1, 1968 (Monday), he debuted with the album “Raga Bageshri/Desh” in 1991, marking the beginning of a prolific career.

Rashid Khan (musician) Age, Death, Wife, Family, Biography & More

Known for his powerful voice and emotive renditions, Rashid Khan’s influence extended beyond traditional performances to include notable contributions in films like “Kisna: The Warrior Poet” (2004), where he sang “Tore Bina Mohe Chain Nahi.” His dedication to preserving and innovating classical music earned him accolades and a revered status in the music fraternity.

Early Life

Rashid Khan was born on 1 July 1968 in Sahaswan, Budaun, Uttar Pradesh, India, into a family deeply rooted in classical music. His father, Hamiz Reza Khan, was a renowned Sufi singer, and his mother, Shakhri Begham, hailed from a family of musicians in Badaun. Raised initially by his parents and later by his paternal aunt after his mother’s untimely death, Rashid showed early interest in sports like kabaddi and cricket rather than music. It was his maternal uncle, Ghulam Mustafa Khan, who recognized Rashid’s musical talent and initiated his formal training under the strict guidance of Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan in Badayun.

Education

He did not receive formal education during his lifetime.

Physical Stats

He stands at approximately 167 cm (1.67 m / 5’ 6”) tall, with black eyes and black hair.

Wife and Children

At the time of his death, He was married to Joyeeta (Soma) Basu Khan, whom he married on 2 December 1991. Together, they had three children: a son named Armaan Khan, who is a musician, and two daughters, Suha Khan and Shaona Khan, both singers.

Family

His father was Hamiz Reza Khan, a renowned Sufi singer. His mother was Shakhri Begham, and details about his siblings are not known.

Rashid Khan Wife and Son

Rashid Khan with his Daughters

Death

Rashid Khan was born on 1 July 1968 (Monday) in Sahaswan, Budaun, Uttar Pradesh, India. He passed away on 9 January 2024 in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, at the age of 55, due to prostate cancer. His zodiac sign was Cancer, and he held Indian nationality.

Career

Rashid Khan emerged as a prominent figure in Indian classical music, specializing in the Rampur-Sahaswan style of singing. He began performing at a young age and gained recognition with his first concert at eleven. His formal training under Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan at the ITC Sangeet Research Academy in Calcutta refined his skills, leading to his official recognition as a musician in 1994.

Rashid Khan released numerous acclaimed albums and performed extensively across India and abroad. His versatility extended to Bollywood, where he lent his soulful voice to songs like “Aaoge Jab Tum” from Jab We Met and several other film tracks, showcasing his mastery beyond classical realms.

Film Discography

Non-film Discography

• Yearning (2006)
• Yatra – A Journey of Rabindrasangeet & Hindustani Classical Bandish, with Nachiketa Chakraborty
• Voice of India (2002)
• The Song of Shiva
• The Genius of Rashid Khan (2000)
• Shabad Kirtan Gurbani – Sawan Aaya Hey Sakhi from album (Guru Manyo Granth)(2008)
• Shabad Kirtan Gurbani – Holi Kini Sant Sev from album (Guru Manyo Granth)(2008)
• Selection – Raga – Megh and Hansadhwani (2002)
• Reflection (2006)
• Rashid Again (2013)
• Poore Se Zara Sa Kam Hai – Mausam
• Nirgun (2010)
• Naina Piya Se
• Morning Mantra (2003)
• Morning Mantra (2003)
• Masterworks From the NCPA Archives: Rashid Khan
• Master Pieces Ustad Rashid Khan (2006)
• Live in Concert: Moreton Centre (2000)
• Krishna – Ustad Rashid Khan (2013)
• Kabir (2009)
• Hey Bhagwan – Ustad Rashid Khan
• Classical Wonders of India (2015)
• Baithaki Rabi – Ustad Rashid Khan (2012)
• A Maestro in the Making (2000)

Net Worth

Rashid Khan’s net worth is not publicly known or disclosed.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Rashid Khan

• Reportedly, he was not interested in music when he was a child. His maternal uncle, Ghulam Mustafa Khan, noticed his musical talent as he grew up and taught him in Mumbai for a while.
• He was the recipient of the Padma Shri and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2006. In 2022, the Indian Government honoured him with the Padma Bhushan, which is the third-highest civilian award in India for his contributions to the field of Art.
• Rashid Khan had his first concert when he was eleven years old. In 1978, he performed at an ITC concert in Delhi. In April 1980, when his music teacher ‘Nissar Hussain Khan’ moved to the ITC Sangeet Research Academy (SRA) in Calcutta, Rashid Khan joined the academy at 14.
• At the age of 18, Rashid started enjoying his musical training. He was officially recognized as a musician at the academy in 1994.
• In 1993, he released the album ‘Rashid Khan Live In Concert.’ He then went on to release many music albums and songs such as Rashid Khan – Ustad Rashid Khan (1995), Khyal (1996).
• His mother, Shakhri Begham, belonged to a family of musicians in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh. Her uncle, Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan, was a highly respected figure in the Sahaswan gharana.
• Shakhri Begham had a dream of raising her two sons to become renowned musicians like her uncle. However, when she lost her younger son, she could not bear the loss.
• Soon, Shakhri Begham passed away and left four-year-old Rashid Khan in pain and loneliness. Thereafter, he was raised by his paternal aunt and father.

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