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New Delhi: One of the doyens of Indian classical vocal music, Pandit Jasraj, died of a cardiac arrest in the United States today. He had turned 90 in January this year. He is survived by his children eminent classical music artistes Durga Jasraj and Shaarangdev Pandit.
Jasraj was devoted to classical vocal music for over eighty years. He began training as a vocalist at the age of 14, and his riyaz once lasted 14 hours a day. He represented the last of a generation of classical vocalists, which includes 83-year-old Kishori Amonkar of Jaipur Atrauli gharana. Jasraj belonged to Mewati Gharana and was introduced to vocal music by his father, and later trained as a tabla accompanist under his tutelage of elder brother, Pandit Pratap Narayan.
His wife Madhura Pandit, daughter of legendary filmmaker V Shantaram and actress Sandhya, was an eminent Marathi filmmaker. Pandit Jasraj’s albums include Bhajan and Om Namoh Bhagwate Vasudeva among many others.
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Jasraj, who was born on January 28, 1930 in Pili Mandori, a village in the Hisar District of Haryana, rose to great heights in his illustrious career as a classical singer. He was honoured with the highest national awards Padma Shri (1975), Padma Bhushan (1990) and Padma Vibhushan (2000). But his biggest moment came when the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in September last year named minor planet 2006 VP32 (number -300128) discovered on November 11, 2006, as ‘Panditjasraj’ which traverses the cosmos between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
When this exceptional artiste was recognized by the IAU, he had said in an interview: “This is beyond my dreams. In this honour, one can experience only God’s Grace. For me, the proximity of the minor planet to Jupiter (Guru as per Hindu Astrology) is an indication that my Gurus willed it with their blessings. Music spreads love and unites souls. I am truly humbled, but this honour belongs to our divine Indian Classical Music, our great nation… Jai Ho.”
In a condolence message, President Ram Nath Kovind 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.”
In a message on twitter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences 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.”
– globalbihari bureau
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