Indian classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj died on Monday following a cardiac arrest at his home in New Jersey, his daughter Durga Jasraj said. He was 90. The news was sent out by his daughter Durga, who mentioned over phone to PTI, “Bapuji is no more”.

One of India’s greatest music legends, Pandit Jasraj leaves behind a storied legacy spanning almost eight decades. Jasraj, who belonged to the Mewati Gharana, was in the US when the coronavirus-led lockdown happened and decided to stay back in that country.

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 said.

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 said.

Pandit Jasraj was a recipient of awards like Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. Jasraj started off as a tabla accompanist with his brother Pandit Pratap Narayan.

For the devout, no morning started without Rani Tero Chir Jeeyo Gopal or Om Namo Bhagwate Vasuvedaya. Fittingly for the man who had admirers all over the world, a minor planet between Mars and Jupiter was named after him, thus Pandit Jasraj's music ruled over the cosmos.

Born in 1930 in Haryana, the singer had a long innings in which he also took the world stage  to Indian film music. His rendition of Raga Ahir Bhairav was used in Ang Lee’s global hit of 2012, ‘Life of Pi’.

 Photos: Verus Ferreira