‘Legend of our nation’: Doyen of Indian classical music dies at 89
MUMBAI: Renowned Indian classical musician Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan passed away at the age of 89 on Sunday at his residence in Mumbai, his family said.
Khan’s daughter-in-law Namrata Gupta Khan told news agency PTI that the veteran breathed his last at 12.37 pm at his Bandra home.
“With a very heavy heart, I inform you all that my father-in law, the pillar of our family and a legend of our nation, Padma Vibhushan Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan sahab has left for his heavenly abode few mins ago,” she posted on Facebook.
She said the family is in shock due to Khan’s sudden demise as he was keeping well. Khan had suffered a brain stroke in 2019 that left one side of his body paralysed.
Khan’s last rites were performed at Santacruze Kabrastan in the evening.
Born on March 3, 1931 in Badaun in Uttar Pradesh, Khan was the eldest son in a family of four brothers and three sisters.
He was awarded the Padma
Shri in 1991, followed by Padma Bhushan in 2006 and Padma Vibhushan in 2018.
In 2003, he was honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi award, the highest Indian recognition given to practicing artistes.
Mourning Khan’s death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “The passing away of Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan Sahab leaves our cultural world poorer. He was a doyen of music, a stalwart of creativity whose works endeared him to people across generations. I have fond memories of interacting with him. Condolences to his family and admirers,” Modi posted on Twitter.
Melody queen Lata Mangeshkar, Sitar maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and music composer AR Rahman also paid tributes to the musician.
Mangeshkar said she was “deeply saddened” by the news of Khan’s death. “I am deeply saddened. He was not only a very good singer but also a very good human being,” she said.
Rahman said: “The sweetest teacher of all... May the Ghafoor-ur-rahim give you a special place in the next world #Ustadghulammustafa.”
Amjad Ali Khan said Khan’s passing away has left him heartbroken. “He was one of the most respected and versatile Vocalists of our country. My deepest condolences to his family. May his soul Rest In Peace,” he posted on the microblogging site.
“My teacher. Guru to a student who just wouldn’t stay on. Great teacher. Great artist. Hindustani Classical Music has been bereaved. His students have been orphaned,” filmmaker Hansal Mehta tweeted.