Kolkata: Eminent classical vocalist Ustad Abdul Rashid Khan passed away at a private hospital here on Thursday following old-age related ailments, family members said. He was 107.
He fell sick in the morning and was rushed to a hospital where he took his last breath, the family members said.
The body will be flown to Raebareli tomorrow for the burial, they said.
A recipient of Padma Bhushan in 2013 and Sangeet Natak Akademi award, he was a resident guru at the ITC Sangeet Research Academy in the city for the past 20 years. Despite movement restrictions and age-related illness, he used to appear for public performances till recently.
One of his student's said that he took a class with his pupils even on Wednesday.
Condoling his death, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, "Saddened at the passing away of veteran vocalist Padma Bhushan Abdul Rashid Khan.
Saddened at the passing of veteran vocalist Padma Bhushan Abdul Rashid Khan. India has lost a great gem from the world of music
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) February 18, 2016
(With Agency inputs)