Journalism of Courage
Legendary Indian classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj passed away on August 17, 2020. The maestro’s musical career spanned more than 80 years, and he has been revered across generations. (Source: Express Archive)
Pandit Jasraj was born on January 28, 1930, in Pili Mandori, in Haryana's Hisar district. He belonged to a family of Indian classical musicians, including his father Pandit Motiram and brothers. (Source: Express Archives)
Pandit Jasraj began training as a vocalist at the age of 14. He performed his first stage concert at the age of 22. (Source: Express Archive)
In his youth, the maestro often travelled to Gujarat to study music with musicians of the Mewati gharana. In 1946, he moved to Kolkata and began singing classical music for radio. (Source: Express Archive)
Pandit Jasraj belonged to the Mewati gharana of Indian classical music, known for its traditional renditions of khayals, although the musician incorporated elements from other schools of music in his performances. (Express Archive)
He also created a novel from of jugalbandi called jasrangi, styled on the ancient system of 'moorchhana' where a male and female vocalist sing different ragas at the same time. (Source: Express Archive)
Pandit Jasraj also popularised semi-classical music such as Haveli sangeet, the essential component of which is dhrupad. (Source: Express Archive)
He also founded Indian classical music schools in many parts of the world, including Atlanta, Toronto, New York, Mumbai and Kerala. (Source: Express Archive)
The legend was a recipient of several prestigious awards including Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. (Source: Express Archive)
