Celebrated Sitarist Ustad Raees Khan Passes Away

Renowned sitar performer of the subcontinent, Ustad Raees Khan passed away on Saturday in Karachi. He was 77.

He leaves behind his wife, Bilqees Khanum and four sons. Ustad Raees was born in 1939 in India in a family of famous musicians. He started playing sitar at a very young age, according to a source, he was gifted a sitar when he was merely three-years-old.

Other than being the star solo artist, he had many collaborations under his belt including one with legendary shehnai player Ustad Bismillah Khan on stage. Their performances up to date are considered as the finest collaborative pieces of classical music. Amongst his many famous tracks, his association with composer Madan Mohan resulted in hits such as Naino Mein Badra Chhayey in the film Mera Saya and Rasm-i-ulfat Ko Nibhaen­ in Dil Ki Rahein.

After marrying his second wife, Bilqees, he moved to Pakistan where he was welcomes with open arms and continued stirring his magic. He regularly attended and participated in classical music concerts across the country, at times accompanied by his son Farhan.

He was honoured with Presidential award and Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 2005 and 2017, respectively. Two of his sons are in India while the other two live in Pakistan. Moreover, his sons in India Sohail Raees Khan is also known to carry the legacy of his father as a sitar performer whereas Shahzan Khan is a famous Indian TV star.

Hazoor Hussnain and Farhan Raees Khan, who live in Pakistan, are also sitar performers.