Pandit Jasraj, legendary classical vocalist, dies at 90; President, PM pay tributes to maestro

Pandit Jasraj, one of the most prominent Indian classical vocalists, has died of cardiac arrest in New Jersey, US. He was 90.

With a career spanning over 80 years, he was a recipient of various prestigious awards and honours including Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Union Ministers expressed grief over the demise of the legend.

PM Modi said that the demise of Pandit Jasraj has left a deep void in the country’s cultural sphere.

“The unfortunate demise of Pandit Jasraj 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,” PM Modi’s tweet read.

Legendary classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj passed away at an age of 90 on Monday. The President also expressed his grief over the demise of the Padma Vibhushan vocalist.

“Music legend and unparalleled classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj’s passing makes me sad. Spanning a distinguished career of over 8 decades, Padma Vibhushan Pandit Jasraj, enthralled people with soulful renditions. Condolence to his family, friends & music connoisseurs,” his tweet read.

Vice-President Naidu while condoling the passing away of the music legend, applauded his eight decade-long career.

In a tweet, Home Minister Amit Shah, said, “Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj ji was an incredible artist who enriched Indian classical music with his magical voice. His demise feels like a personal loss. He will remain in our hearts forever through his peerless creations. Condolences to his family and followers. Om Shanti.”

Other Cabinet Ministers also took to Twitter to express their grief over the demise of the legendary artist.

While Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad reminisced his initial memories of listening to Pandit Jasraj in Patna as a student, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the late vocalist for his significant contribution to the world of music.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also paid his respect to the late musical legend.

Pandit Jasraj whose career in music spanned over 80 years belonged to the Mewati Gharana. He is a recipient of several accolades including the prestigious Padma Shri- India’s fourth highest civilian award – in 1975, Padma Bhushan in 1999, and in the year 2000, the government of India conferred him with Padma Vibhushan.

Born in Haryana in 1930, his musical career spanned eight decades. Many of his notable stage performances were converted into music albums. He received several national and international awards in his career.