Indian vocalist Pandit Jasraj passes away at 90

Indian classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj passed away at the age of 90 on Monday. He died of cardiac arrest at his house in New Jersey state of US, reported hindustantimes.com.

He had turned 90 in January this year. One of India’s greatest music legend, Jasraj, who belonged to the Mewati Gharana, was in the US when the country went into lockdown due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

“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,” his family said in a statement.

With musical career spanning over 80 years, Pandit Jasraj was awarded with honours such as Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.

“We pray that his soul rests in eternal musical peace. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers,” the statement, issued on behalf of the family and students of the Mewati Gharana, further read.

Expressing his condolences on the demise of the legendary singer, Indian PM Narendra Modi tweeted: “Not only were his renditions outstanding, he also made a mark as an exceptional mentor to several other vocalists.”

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