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.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, 2020RIP Pt. Jasraj, your musical journey of over 80 yrs will enrich many generations to come. You mesmerized the audience like no other. I was lucky to meet and host one of your final concerts at Delhi Classical Festival. Thank you for touching our lives with your divine music. pic.twitter.com/C1IhVbUrZG— Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) August 17, 2020Music 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
