Pandit Jasraj, Legendary Indian Classical Vocalist, Dies At 90

Pandit Jasraj, one of the world's most prominent Indian classical vocalists, has died of cardiac arrest in New Jersey, US, his family said. He was 90.

"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," a statement issued by his family read.

"May Lord Krishna welcome him lovingly through the doors of heaven, where Pandit ji will now sing Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya exclusively just for his beloved Lord. We pray that his soul rests in eternal musical peace. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, Pandit Jasraj ji's family, and the students of Mewati Gharana," it added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the maestro's death has left a deep void in the country's 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," he tweeted.

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

President Ram Nath Kovind also condoled his death.

"Music legend and unparalleled classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj's passing makes me sad. Spanning a distinguished career of over 8 decades, Pandit Jasraj, a Padma Vibhushan recipient, enthralled people with soulful renditions. Condolence to his family, friends & music connoisseurs," he tweeted.

Music legend and unparalleled classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj's passing makes me sad. Spanning a distinguished career of over 8 decades, Pandit Jasraj, a Padma Vibhushan recipient, enthralled people with soulful renditions. Condolence to his family, friends & music connoisseurs.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 17, 2020

Union Ministers Amit Shah and S Jaishankar also offered their tributes to the maestro.

Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj ji was an incredible artist who enriched Indian classical music with his magical voice. His demise feels like a personal loss. He will remain in our hearts forever through his peerless creations. Condolences to his family and followers. Om Shanti

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 17, 2020

Saddened to hear about the demise of musical legend Pandit Jasraj ji. Deepest condolences to his family.
Om Shanti

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 17, 2020

Music composers AR Rahman and Shankar Mahadevan also paid their tributes.

#RIPPanditJasraj indian classical music has lost one of its shining stars🌹

— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) August 17, 2020

Devastated after hearing the news that Sangeet marthand pandit Jasraj has moved on to the next dimension . A big void in the world of Indian Classical music . His music will live on in this planet 🙏

— Shankar Mahadevan (@Shankar_Live) August 17, 2020

Born in Haryana in 1930, his musical career spanned eight decades. Many of his notable stage performances were converted into music albums. He taught music in several countries including the United States and many of his students went on to become famous musicians.

He received several national and international awards in his career. He got Padma Shri - India's fourth highest civilian award - in 1975; Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987 and Padma Bhushan in 1999. In the year 2000, the government of India conferred him with Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian honour in the country.