A file photo of Pandit Jasraj.
Highlights
- Pandit Jasraj died at the age of 90
- He died of cardiac arrest in New Jersey, US
- Pandit Jasraj was awarded with Padma Vibhushan in 2000
New Delhi:
Legendary Indian classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj died at the age of 90 in New Jersey, US on Monday. A statement issued by Pandit Jasraj’s family read, “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.” The veteran vocalist was remembered by Bollywood stars as well as members of the music fraternity. AR Rahman, Vishal Dadlani, Adnan Sami and other musicians found an outlet on social media and Twitter has been deluged by tributes for Pandit Jasraj. Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman tweeted: “RIP Pandit Jasraj. Indian classical music has lost one of its shining stars.”
#RIPPanditJasraj indian classical music has lost one of its shining stars
— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) August 17, 2020
“A huge pillar of Hindustani sangeet has fallen today. My heart felt condolence to Pandit Jasraj’s family. I can see him standing on the stage with his arms raised as if he is blessing all of us and in his soft and silken voice for the last time he is saying jai ho,” read lyricist Javed Akhtar’s tweet.
A huge pillar of Hindustani sangeet has fallen today . My heart felt condolence to Pandit Jasraj ‘s family . I can see him standing on the stage with his arms raised as if he is blessig all of us and in his soft and silken voice for the last time he is saying JAI HO !!
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) August 17, 2020
“Deeply saddened to hear about the passing away of Pandit Jasraj. Ever since my accident in January 2020, I’ve been waking up to the strains of the best of Pandit Jasraj and am deeply grateful for the solace his voice has given me over the years. Condolences to Durga and the family,” veteran actress Shabana Azmi tweeted.
Deeply saddened to hear abt the passing away of #Pt Jasraj.Ever since my accident in Jan 2020, Ive been waking up to the strains of #The BestofPanditJasraj n am deeply grateful 4 d solace his voice has given me over d yrs.Condolences to Durga and the https://t.co/HuaRz1Oi27
— Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) August 17, 2020
Vishal Dadlani, in his eulogy piece wrote: “Just heard of the passing of the legendary Pandit Jasraj ji. My condolence to music itself and to every musician on the planet. A truly monumental loss. My heart goes out to my friends Jatin and Lalit Pandit, Shweta and Shraddha Pandit and of course Durga Jasraj ji, and the family.”
Just heard of the passing of the Legendary #PanditJasraj Ji. My condolence to music itself, and to every musician on the planet. A truly monumental loss.
My heart goes out to my friends Jatin & Lalit Pandit, Shweta & Shraddha Pandit & of course @DurgaJasraj ji, and the family.
— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) August 17, 2020
Adnan Sami shared a chunk of memories and wrote in his tweet: “Moments with him are one of the most cherished moments of my life. I learned so much from his music. He encouraged me so much. One of the highlights of my life is him singing my composition. He’s left a musical treasure for us that is immortal! I will miss him.”
Moments with him are one of the most cherished moments of my life. I learned so much from his music. He encouraged me so much. One of the highlights of my life is him singing my composition. He’s left a musical treasure for us that is immortal! I will miss him..#PanditJasrajpic.twitter.com/lUDvd57tzy
— Adnan Sami (@AdnanSamiLive) August 17, 2020
Singer-composer Salim Merchant tweeted: “Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj ji has left us…His voice and music has inspired and left a deep impact on the history of Indian classical music.”
Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj ji has left us.. his voice & music has inspired & left a deep impact on the history of Indian classical music.
Om Shanti #RIPPanditJasraj
— salim merchant (@salim_merchant) August 17, 2020
Randeep Hooda paid tribute to Pandit Jasraj in his tweet and wrote: “A cultural icon of classical proportions. Raag to khyal – pure class. Rest in peace Pandit Jasraj ji.”
A cultural icon of classical proportions.. raag to khyal – pure class ..
Rest in peace #PanditJasraj ji pic.twitter.com/2RK94wGOZ7— Randeep Hooda (@RandeepHooda) August 17, 2020
“India has lost another one of her most illustrious son’s. Pandit Jasrajji’s legacy will live on. Deep respect and gratitude for his rich contributions to art. Condolences to his family, friends and all those he mentored,” tweeted Dia Mirza.
India has lost another one of her most illustrious son’s. Pandit Jasrajji’s legacy will live on. Deep respect and gratitude for his rich contributions to art Condolences to his family, friends and all those he mentored.
— Dia Mirza (@deespeak) August 17, 2020
“Tributes and heartfelt condolences at the passing of legendary classical singer Padma Vibhushan Pandit Jasraj ji. Om Shanti,” wrote filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar.
Tributes and Heartfelt Condolences at the passing of Legendary classical singer Padma Vibhushan #PanditJasraj ji #OmShanti@durgajasrajpic.twitter.com/TW7EIrzJCb
— Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) August 17, 2020
In a career spanning almost 80 years, Pandit Jasraj was a recipient of various prestigious awards and honours including Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. His father Pandit Motiram and brother Pandit Pratap Narayan were also accomplished musicians.
