Legendary Indian classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj dies at 90: reports
Legendary Indian classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj died Monday, according to the Times of India and the Hindustan Times. He was 90.
Paste BN has reached out to Jasraj's representatives for comment.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the musician on Twitter: "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."
Rashtrapati Bhavan, India's president, also expressed his condolences: "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."
The Padma Vibhushan is the second-highest award a civilian in India can receive. It is given for "exceptional and distinguished service" to the country and its citizens.
Capt. Amarinder Singh, chief minister of the Indian state of Punjab, tweeted: "Saddened to hear of #PanditJasraj Ji’s demise. It’s the end of an era. I will always remember him as one of our greatest vocalists of Hindustani classical music. The world of music is poorer today. Pray God grant strength to his family and fans in their hour of grief. RIP!"
Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik said Jasraj's death was "a huge loss to the world of Indian classical music" and shared a photo of a sand sculpture he previously created honoring the musician.
In addition to performing for audiences worldwide for nearly 80 years, Jasraj also taught music lessons in India and the US, training a new generation of classical musicians. He got his start singing classical music on the radio in the 1940s. His father and oldest brother, both vocalists, helped train him.
Jasraj married wife Madhura Shantaram in 1962. They have a son, Shaarang Dev Pandit, and daughter, Durga Jasraj.
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