Pandit Jasraj, one of the most renowned exponents of Hindustani Classical music passed away on Monday, reports said. He suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in New Jersey, his daughter Durga Jasraj confirmed. “Bapuji is no more,” his daughter Durga, also a musician, told PTI.
The report stated that Pandit Jasraj was in the US when the coronavirus-led lockdown happened and decided to stay back.
In a statement, his family said: “With profound grief we inform that Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj ji breathed his last this morning at 5.15 EST due to a cardiac arrest at his home in New Jersey, USA. May Lord Krishna welcome him lovingly through the doors of heaven, where Pandit ji will now sing Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya exclusively just for his beloved Lord. We pray that his soul rests in eternal musical peace. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, Pandit Jasraj ji’s family, and the students of Mewati Gharana.”
Pandit Jasraj, 90, belonged to the Mewati gharana, and was among the most popular vocal exponents of Indian classical music.
In a career that spanned over 80 years, he had been honoured with awards like Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.
He was born in Hisar district of Haryana on January 28, 1930, in a middle-class family. He began learning music from his father Pandit Motiram, a classical singer, at a very young age. And after his father passed away he was trained by his brothers Maniram and Pandit Pratap Narayan. He was also a trained tabla player.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Pandit Jasraj’s death and said: “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.”
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 Ram Nath Kovind in his condolence message said: “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
