India-born legendary sitar player Ustad Raees Khan passed away in Pakistan on May 6, 2017. He was 77.
He was reportedly diagnosed with an ailment and had been bedridden for quite some time. He breathed his last in Karachi.
He is survived by his wife, renowned singer Bilqees Khanum, and four sons.
Ustad Raees was born in 1939 in Indore, India in a family of musicians.
He was from the Mewati Gharana of Indian classical music. His maternal grandfather Inayat Ali Khan was also considered one of the finest sitar players in the subcontinent.
He learned music from his uncle, Walayat Ali Khan and father Muhammad Khan.
Raees Khan gave his first performance at the age of 5 in Bombay’s Sunder Bhai Hall.
The performance was attended by the governor and `maharaja of India, who appreciated the his talent.
He then went to international venues to perform.
Ustad Raees has composed many famous songs: `Jab Tera Hukam Mila Tarkay Mohaabat Kar Di’ and `Ab Kay Saal Poonam Main, `Neend Ankhoun Se Uri’, `Mojoun Sahil Se Milo’, `Main Khayal Hun Kisi Aur Ka’, `Kabhi Kitaboun Main Phool Rakhna’ to name a few.
Khan was honoured with Presidential award and Sitara-eImtiaz in 2005 and 2017, respectively.
