Jasraj

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Indian classical singer (1930–2020)

title: "Jasraj" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["1930-births", "2020-deaths", "20th-century-indian-male-classical-singers", "bhajan-singers", "mewati-gharana", "people-from-hisar-(city)", "rajasthani-people", "singers-from-haryana", "swarmandal-players", "singers-from-punjab,-india", "tabla-players", "indian-hindus", "indian-music-educators", "21st-century-indian-male-classical-singers", "recipients-of-the-kala-ratna", "recipients-of-the-padma-shri-in-arts", "recipients-of-the-padma-bhushan-in-arts", "recipients-of-the-padma-vibhushan-in-arts", "recipients-of-the-sangeet-natak-akademi-award", "recipients-of-the-sangeet-natak-akademi-fellowship"] description: "Indian classical singer (1930–2020)" topic_path: "arts" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jasraj" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::summary Indian classical singer (1930–2020) ::

::data[format=table title="Infobox person"]

FieldValue
nameJasraj
imageFile:Pandit Jasraj at Bhopal 2015.jpg
captionPandit Jasraj Performing at Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, Bhopal in Poonam-35 Program (2015)
birth_date
birth_placeHisar, Punjab, British India
(now Fatehabad, Haryana, India)
death_date
death_placeNew Jersey, U.S.
occupation
spouse
children
relativesPandit Maniram (brother) Vasant Kumar Pandit (Cousin)
awardsSee awards and honours
website
module{{Infobox musical artist
image_size300
backgroundsolo_singer
genreHindustani classical music
years_active1945–2020
instrument
::

| name = Jasraj | image = File:Pandit Jasraj at Bhopal 2015.jpg | caption = Pandit Jasraj Performing at Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, Bhopal in Poonam-35 Program (2015) | birth_date = | birth_place = Hisar, Punjab, British India (now Fatehabad, Haryana, India) | death_date = | death_place = New Jersey, U.S. | occupation = | spouse = | children = | relatives = Pandit Maniram (brother) Vasant Kumar Pandit (Cousin) | awards = See awards and honours | website = | module = {{Infobox musical artist | embed=yes |image_size = 300 |background = solo_singer |genre = Hindustani classical music |years_active = 1945–2020 | instrument = | label = Pandit Jasraj (28 January 1930 – 17 August 2020) was an Indian classical vocalist, belonging to the Mewati gharana (musical apprenticeship lineage). His musical career spanned 75 years resulting in national and international fame, respect and numerous major awards and accolades. His legacy includes memorable performances of classical and semi-classical vocal music, classical and devotional music, albums and film soundtracks, innovations in various genres including Haveli Sangeet and popularizing the Mewati Gharana – a school of thought in Hindustani classical music. Pandit Jasraj taught music to amateur and professional students in India, Europe, Canada and the United States.

Early life

Pandit Jasraj was born on 28 January 1930 in Pili Mandori, a village in the then Hisar district (now in Fatehabad district) of Haryana, in an artistic Brahmin family to Pandit Motiram, a classical singer and Krishna Bai. He was the youngest of three sons, in a family of classical singers. Motiram died in 1934 when Jasraj was four, on the day he was to be appointed as the state musician in the court of Mir Osman Ali Khan, the Nizam (ruler) of Hyderabad State. His eldest brother was vocalist Pandit Maniram, who instructed Jasraj after the death of their father. Jasraj's elder brother, Pandit Pratap Narayan, was also an accomplished musician and was the father of music composer duo Jatin–Lalit, singer-actress Sulakshana Pandit and actress Vijeta Pandit. Pandit Pratap Narayan taught Jasraj to play tabla starting at age 7, but Jasraj decided that he wanted to only sing by 14.

Jasraj spent his youth in Hyderabad, and travelled often to Sanand in Gujarat to study music with musicians of the Mewati gharana. Jasraj performed for Thakur Jaiwant Singhji Vaghela, the Thakur Sahib of Sanand, who was deeply dedicated to classical music, and received training from him.

In 1946, Jasraj moved to Calcutta, where he began singing classical music for radio.

Personal life

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/06/Pandit_Jasraj_with_his_wife_Madhura.jpg" caption="Jasraj with his wife Madhura on the stage of Satsang Bhawan in Govind Dev Ji Temple, Jaipur (2011)."] ::

In 1962, Jasraj married Madhura Shantaram, the daughter of film director V. Shantaram, whom he had first met in 1960 in Bombay. They initially lived in Calcutta, moving to Bombay in 1963. They had two children, a son, Shaarang Dev Pandit, a daughter, Durga Jasraj, and four grandchildren.

Madhura made a film, Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj in 2009 and directed her first Marathi film, Aai Tuza Ashirwad, in 2010, in which Jasraj and Lata Mangeshkar sang in Marathi.

Career

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cd/Pandit_Jasraj_at_Bhopal_2015-1.JPG" caption="Jasraj at the [[Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya]] Poonam-35, [[Bhopal]], in 2015"] ::

Training

Jasraj was initiated into vocal music by his father, and later trained as a tabla accompanist under his elder brother, Pandit Pratap Narayan. He would frequently accompany Maniram in his solo vocal performances. He credits the vocalist, Begum Akhtar, as inspiring him to take up classical music.

Jasraj began training as a vocalist at the age of 14, after renouncing tabla in reaction to how accompanists were treated at the time . He would practice singing close to 14 hours a day. In 1952 when he was 22 he performed his first stage concert as a vocalist in the court of King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah of Nepal in Kathmandu. Before becoming a stage performer, Jasraj worked as a performing artist on radio for several years.

He initially trained as a classical vocalist with Pandit Maniram, and later with Jaiwant Singh Waghela, a vocalist and beenkar.

Technique and style

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fa/Padma_Vibhushan_Pt._Jasraj_at_Bhubaneswar.jpg" caption="Jasraj in a concert at Bhubaneswar"] ::

Classical music

Although Jasraj belonged to the Mewati gharana, a school of music known for its traditional performances of khayals, Jasraj had sung khayals with some flexibility, adding elements of lighter styles, including the thumri. During the initial stages of his career, he was criticised for incorporating elements from other schools of music, or gharanas, into his singing. Musicologist S. Kalidas has noted, however, that this borrowing of elements across gharanas has now become more commonly accepted.

Jasraj created a novel form of jugalbandi called Jasrangi that is styled on the ancient system of moorchhana, between a male and a female vocalist, who each sing different ragas at the same time. He was also known for presenting a variety of rare ragas including Abiri Todi and Patdeepaki.

Semi-classical and popular music

In addition to performing classical music, Jasraj had worked to popularise innovations in semi-classical musical styles, such as Haveli Sangeet, which involves semi-classical performances in temples. He had also sung classical and semi-classical compositions for film soundtracks, such as the song, 'Vandana Karo', composed in the raga Ahir Bhairav by the composer Vasant Desai, for the film Ladki Sahyadri Ki (1966), a duet with vocalist Bhimsen Joshi for the soundtrack of the film Birbal My Brother (1975), and a ballad, Vaada Tumse Hai Vaada for a horror film titled 1920 (2008) directed by Vikram Bhatt.

In memory of his father, Jasraj organised an annual musical festival called the Pandit Motiram Pandit Maniram Sangeet Samaroh in Hyderabad. The festival has been held annually since 1972.

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/Pandit_Motiram_Pandit_Maniram_Sangeet_Samaroh_2023_stamp_of_India.jpg" caption="A 2023 stamp of India featuring Jasraj (center)"] ::

On 28 January 2017, the production house Navrasa Duende celebrated Jasraj's 87th birthday and 80 years of his service to music with a classical music concert titled My Journey, an Intimate Evening with Pandit Jasraj at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. He received a standing ovation.

Teaching

Jasraj tutored several students who have gone on to perform as classical musicians, including Saptarshi Chakraborty, Sanjeev Abhyankar, violinist Kala Ramnath, Sandeep Ranade, shehnai player Lokesh Anand, Tripti Mukherjee, Suman Ghosh, flautist Shashank Subramanyam, Anuradha Paudwal, Sadhana Sargam, and Ramesh Narayan.

He was also the founder of schools for Indian classical music in Atlanta, Tampa, Vancouver, Toronto, New York, New Jersey, Pittsburgh, Mumbai, and Kerala. Jasraj would spend six months of each year in the United States and Canada at either his home in New Jersey, teaching, or touring. At age 90, he was teaching some of his international students through Skype.

Death

Pandit Jasraj remained in the US when the country entered its COVID-19 lockdown. He died at his home in New Jersey on 17 August 2020 at 5:15 am EST, due to cardiac arrest. His body was later repatriated on an Air India flight to Mumbai where it was cremated with state honours and 21-gun salute at Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi said that his death "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."

On 27 December 2023, Modi released a commemorative postage stamp to mark 50 years of Jasraj's music festival.

Awards and honours

Discography

  • Raga Symphony (2009)
  • Anuraag (2000)
  • Devotionally Yours
  • The Glory of Dawn – Morning Raagas (2005)
  • Invocation (1993)
  • Kanha
  • Khazana (2008)
  • In Concert Vancouver Vols. 1 & 2 (1997)
  • Malhar – A Downpour of Music (2005)
  • The Meditative Music of Pandit Jasraj
  • Parampara – The Mewati Tradition
  • Pride of India (2002)
  • Multaani & Din-ki-Purya
  • Shri Krishna Anuraag (2000)
  • Songs of Krishna Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 (2000)
  • The Spiritual Journey (2005)
  • Baiju Bawra Vols. 1 & 2 (2008)
  • Devi Upasana (2007)
  • Miyan Tansen Vol 1 & Vol 2 (2006)
  • Tapasya Vol. 1 (2005)
  • Darbar (2003)
  • Maheshwara Mantra (2002)
  • Soul Food (2005)
  • Haveli Sangeet (2001)
  • Inspiration (2000)
  • Ragas Triveni and Multani Live
  • Ragas Bihagda and Gaud Giri Malhar
  • Worship By Music/Live Stuggart '88
  • Ornamental Voice

Performances in film soundtracks

Notes

References

References

  1. (17 August 2020). "Legendary Indian vocalist Pandit Jasraj passes away".
  2. Khurana, Suanshu. (25 January 2015). "Pandit Jasraj looks back at a long, musical life on his 85th birthday". The Indian Express.
  3. (17 August 2020). "Pandit Jasraj, 90, passes away in New Jersey; Modi mourns 'exceptional mentor'". [[The Economic Times]].
  4. (2021-01-28). "Remembering the Legendary Classical Vocalist Pandit Jasraj on his 91 st Birth Anniversary - Saregama Blog".
  5. Sharma, Supriya. (31 March 2017). "Pandit Jasraj on his life-long love for music". Hindustan Times.
  6. "Fun Interview On Wishlist, Pandit Jasraj Talks Of Cricket, Deer And Krishna". NDTV.
  7. Kumar, Ranee. (1 December 2004). "A custom of culture". The Hindu.
  8. (2004). "The Nocturnal Court: The Life of a Prince of Hyderabad". Oxford University Press.
  9. (11 December 2016). "My Father Died Five Hours Before He Was To Be Announced The Royal Musician In Court Of Osman Ali Khan". The Times of India.
  10. Pawar, Yogesh. (15 March 2019). "Pt Jasraj's 90-year musical journey".
  11. (20 January 2020). "Pandit Jasraj looks back on gold mohurs from a king, hopes for more voices to join his". Hindustan Times.
  12. Paul, Papri. (28 January 2015). "Pandit Jasraj takes a trip down the memory lane to relive his idyllic childhood spent in Hyderabad". The Times of India.
  13. (1 November 2009). "The Master's Voice". Harmony — Celebrate Age.
  14. (10 September 2015). "Pandit Jasraj: 'Music is what can take you to heaven'".
  15. (27 December 2003). "Raag Jasraj, in the maestro's voice". The Times of India.
  16. (8 October 2007). "Jai ho! Jasraj". The Hindu.
  17. Bhagat, Shalini Venugopal. (2020-08-25). "Pandit Jasraj, Master Indian Vocalist, Is Dead at 90". The New York Times.
  18. (26 November 2009). "Madhura Jasraj recounts life with the Maestro".
  19. Nivas, Namita. (10 September 2010). "Age no bar". The Indian Express.
  20. (26 October 2010). "V Shantaram's daughter turns director". Hindustan Times.
  21. (6 September 2012). "Interview – Pt Jasraj: Music has universal appeal".
  22. "The Sun of Music". Khabar.
  23. Thakur, Pradeep. (12 September 2010). "Indian Music Masters of Our Times- Part 1". Pradeem Thakur & Sons.
  24. (14 March 2019). "I have never gone looking for disciples, says Pandit Jasraj". The Hindu.
  25. (20 January 2020). "Pandit Jasraj looks back on gold mohurs from a king, hopes for more voices to join his". Hindustan Times.
  26. Kulkarni, Pranav. (15 December 2008). "Pandit Jasraj casts magic spell". The Indian Express.
  27. Mathur, Siddhartha. (10 February 2012). "Unforgettable". The Indian Express.
  28. Gaekwad, Manish. (31 March 2017). "Cinema classical: Singing for the gods, Pandit Jasraj took time out to enthral mortals".
  29. Gautam, Savitha. (24 February 2011). "Looking back… musically". The Hindu.
  30. (28 January 2017). "Pandit Jasraj turns 87, celebrates in the form of a concert".
  31. "Sanjeev Abhyankar".
  32. "Bio {{!}} Kala Ramnath {{!}} The Singing Violin of Indian Classical Music".
  33. (16 May 2019). "NaadSadhana: A Tabla-Swarmandal AI/ML jugalbandi app for classical singers, trainees".
  34. (2 April 2020). "Coronavirus | Na Corona Karo song goes viral on social media". The Hindu.
  35. "Lokesh Anand".
  36. Kumar, P. k Ajith. (17 January 2016). "His music knows no age". The Hindu.
  37. Subramanyam, Shashank. (16 January 2009). "On an innovative journey". The Hindu.
  38. "Ramesh Narayan: My biggest achievement is not any award or accolade, but Pandit Jasraj's discipleship – Times of India".
  39. Watts, Gabbie. (27 July 2017). "Sangeetayan Promotes Indian Classical Music In Atlanta".
  40. Rele, Nitish. (May 2006). "Pandit Jasraj Looks to Enlighten Americans on Indian Music". Khaas Baat.
  41. (28 January 2020). "Pandit Jasraj on turning 90, teaching music through Skype: 'I don't like when people say woh zamaana achha tha'".
  42. (21 February 2012). "Pandit Jasraj feels reality shows have benefited classical music".
  43. (17 August 2020). "Legendary classical vocalist Pandij Jasraj dies at 90". Press Trust of India.
  44. (17 August 2020). "Pandit Jasraj passes away at 90".
  45. (17 August 2020). "Music legend Pandit Jasraj, recipient of Padma Vibhushan award, passes away at the age of 90".
  46. "Pt Jasraj's mortal remains reach Mumbai, state funeral on Thursday".
  47. Raghuvanshi, Aakanksha. (20 August 2020). "Legendary Vocalist Pandit Jasraj Cremated With State Honours. Anup Jalota, Kailash Kher And Others Attend Funeral". [[NDTV]].
  48. . (20 August 2020). ["Pandit Jasraj funeral: Legendary vocalist gets state funeral in Mumbai, Sanjay Leela Bhansali pays tribute"](https://www.hindustantimes.com/music/pandit-jasraj-funeral-legendary-vocalist-s-antim-darshan-held-in-mumbai-in-the-presence-of-family/story-S02w2jAHK6dULvTsm0zuaP.html). *[[Hindustan Times]]*.
  49. (17 August 2020). "The unfortunate demise of Pandit Jasraj Ji leaves a deep void in the Indian cultural sphere.".
  50. (27 December 2023). "Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah releases a commemorative Postal Stamp, to mark 50 years of Pandit Jasraj's music festival – 'Pandit Motiram Pandit Maniram Sangeet Samaroha', in New Delhi today".
  51. "Padma Awards Directory (1954–2017)".
  52. "Pandit Jasraj".
  53. (12 March 2008). "Marar, Jasraj bag awards". The Hindu.
  54. (12 March 2008). "Pandit Jasraj gets Kerala Govt's award". Hindustan Times.
  55. (16 February 2010). "Declaration of Sangeet Natak Akademi fellowships (Akademi Ratna) and Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar) for the year 2009". [[Ministry of Culture (India)]].
  56. (30 September 2010). "Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Pandit Jasraj". Hindustan Times.
  57. (8 November 2012). "Pandit Jasraj given Pu La Deshpande lifetime achievement award".
  58. (March 2023). "Pandit Jasraj to Receive Maharashtra Government's Top Music Award". [[Press Trust of India]].
  59. (18 November 2014). "Orchestral symphony is very interesting: Pandit Jasraj".
  60. (11 December 2014). "Three music maestros get Marwar Sangeet Ratna Award". Hindustan Times.
  61. Nayak, N. Dinesh. (19 January 2016). "Jasraj receives Hangal award". The Hindu.
  62. (1 August 2017). "India & World Panorama". Disha Publications.
  63. Rockwell, Teed. (13 October 2008). "Pandit Jasraj in Concert".

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1930-births2020-deaths20th-century-indian-male-classical-singersbhajan-singersmewati-gharanapeople-from-hisar-(city)rajasthani-peoplesingers-from-haryanaswarmandal-playerssingers-from-punjab,-indiatabla-playersindian-hindusindian-music-educators21st-century-indian-male-classical-singersrecipients-of-the-kala-ratnarecipients-of-the-padma-shri-in-artsrecipients-of-the-padma-bhushan-in-artsrecipients-of-the-padma-vibhushan-in-artsrecipients-of-the-sangeet-natak-akademi-awardrecipients-of-the-sangeet-natak-akademi-fellowship