Pandit Jasraj’s Mortal Remains to Arrive in Mumbai

Mortal remains of Indian classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj, who passed away on Monday following a cardiac arrest at his home in New Jersey, would be brought to Mumbai on Wednesday, his family said in a statement.

The 90-year-old music doyen, who belonged to the Mewati Gharana, was in the US when the coronavirus-led lockdown was announced and decided to stay back in the country.

According to a statement from the family, his body would be kept for “family darshan” later in the day around 4pm at his Versova residence after formalities are completed upon arrival.

“Pandit Jasraj Ji’s mortal remains will arrive in Mumbai on Wednesday, 19 August 12.30 pm,” the family said in the statement.

The classical vocalist, who infused life into the most complex ragas and held audiences spellbound with his craft, leaves behind a storied legacy spanning more than eight decades.

Jasraj Ji, who was born into the family of musicians started his career as a tabla player at an early age but soon shifted to singing. His signature mark was mixing the elements of traditional ‘khayal’, which the Mewati Gharana was known for, with ‘thumri’. Bollywood also has received a significant contribution from him but he is remembered for making Indian music popular in the west.

He was a recipient of several prestigious accolades including Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.

He is survived by his wife Madhura, son Shaarang Dev Pandit and daughter Durga Jasraj, both musicians.