Indian classical maestro Pandit Jasraj passes away in USA at age 90

The news has been tweeted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also.

Born on Jan 28, 1930, the maestro belonged to the Mewati gharana and he strode the cultural scene like a colossus for many decades while his musical career itself was of almost 80 years.

His performances of classical and semi-classical vocals have become albums and film soundtracks. A legendary Indian classical music icon, Jasraj taught music in India, Canada and the US. 

He was conferred the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour, in 2000.

"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," tweeted Modi.

Jasraj was born in Pili Mandori village in the Hisar district of Haryana to Brahmin family to Pandit Motiram, a classical singer.

He lost his father at the early age of four. Music ran in his family as his brother Pandit Pratap Narayan was also a well-known musician and was the father of music composer duo Jatin-Lalit, singer-actress Sulakshana Pandit and actress Vijeta Pandit.

His eldest brother is vocalist Pandit Maniram.

Jasraj spent his youth in Hyderabad, and travelled often to Sanand in Gujarat to study music with musicians of the Mewati gharana.

Later he moved to Kolkata in 1946. Here he sang for the All India Radio.

He was married to Madhura Shantaram, the daughter of film director V. Shantaram. They have two children, a son, Shaarang Dev Pandit, and a daughter, Durga Jasraj, a singer, TV personality, content producer  and co-founder of the Indian Music Academy.