Pandit Jasraj laid to rest with full state honours; Anup Jalota, Sanjay Leela Bhansali pay respect

Late classical singer Pandit Jasraj's 'antim darshan' was held on Thursday at his family residence in Versova, Mumbai, in the presence of his close family. He was later cremated at Vile Parle's Pawan Hans Crematorium with full state honours. We have pictures.

Updated On: 2020-08-21 07:50 AM IST

Pandit Jasraj laid to rest with full state honours; Sanjay Bhansali, Udit Narayan pay respect

Late classical singer Pandit Jasraj's 'antim darshan' was held on Thursday at his family residence in Versova, Mumbai, in the presence of his close family and friends. Several celebrities including Anup Jalota, Rukhsar, Kailash Kher, Udit Narayan and Jatin Pandit paid their last respects. He was later cremated at Vile Parle's Pawan Hans Crematorium with full state honours. The maestro died on Monday, August 17, at the age of 90. (All pictures: Yogen Shah)

The mortal remains were flown to Mumbai by Air India flight which landed in the city on Wednesday afternoon after which it was taken to the family residence in Versova in Andheri West. It was received by his wife Madhura, daughter Durga, son Sharang and grandchildren, said family spokesperson Pritam Sharma.

(In picture: Pandit Jasraj's family at the funeral service)

On Thursday morning, the mortal remains were kept for a final glimpse in the building compound to enable his fans and others to pay their last respects. Several Bollywood celebrities arrived to pay their last respects to Pandit Jasraj.

Singer Kailash Kher was among those who attended the last rites.

Bhajan maestro Anup Jalota also paid his condolences to Pandit Jasraj at the late singer's residence in Versova.

Director-producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali also arrived at the music maestro's residence and paid his respects.

Udit Narayan also came in to offer his condolence to the family and pay his respects at the 'antim darshan'.

Composer Jatin Pandit of Jatin-Lalit fame and his family mourned the death of the music maestro and paid thier respects by visiting Pandit Jasraj's residence in Versova.

Television actor Karanvir Bohra (in picture) and Rukhsar Rehman mourned the death of Pandit Jasraj ahead of the funeral service.

A recipient of top civilian honours including Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, the maestro, whose career spanned almost eight decades, belonged to the Mewati Gharana.

In picture: Rukhsar Rehman paying her respects to Pandit Jasraj

Pandit Jasraj, who was initiated into vocal training at the age of 14, later trained as a tabla accompanist under his elder brother, Pandit Pratap Narayan. He will always be remembered for adding elements of thumri to khayal.

Born in 1930 in Haryana, the celebrated classical singer presented the Mewati Gharana to global music connoisseurs. With a career spanning 80 years, Pandit Jasraj's oeuvre ranged from the world stage to Indian film music.

In picture: Pandit Jasraj's son Sharang and daughter Durga Jasraj.

His rendition of Raga Ahir Bhairav was used in Ang Lee's global hit of 2012, Life Of Pi, and he also sang Vandana Karo in the 1966 film Ladki Sahyadri Ki. Pandit Jasraj's other soundtrack contributions are his 'jugalbandi' with Bhimsen Joshi in the 1973 film, Birbal My Brother, and Vaada Tumse Hai in the 2008 horror film, 1920.

The legendary late singer was honoured with full state honours with his mortal remains wrapped in our Indian Tricolour, followed by a 21-gun salute.

It was an emotional moment for his family and hundreds of fans who got teary-eyed as soon as the final honour was bestowed upon the late legend.

The music maestro was bid a tearful adieu by his family members at the Vile Parle's Pawan Hans Crematorium. Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, only 25-30 people were allowed at the crematorium.

His death was condoled by President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Bollywood celebrities. Singer Asha Bhosle said, "I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate demise of Pandit Jasraj ji. I have lost someone who was extremely fond of me, I have lost a big brother. Sangeet ka sooraj doob gaya (the sun of music has set). He was a vocalist par excellence and I knew him for so long, from even before his marriage to V Shantaram's daughter. He used to praise me a lot and he always used to say, 'main tujhe gaana sikhaunga (I will teach you how to sing)".

Singer Rekha Bhardwaj also mourned the loss of Pandit Jasraj. "You didn't need to understand classical music to enjoy his performance because it flowed in such a way that people would forget everything else. His voice was divine and mystical", said the singer. Pankaj Udhas also penned a heartfelt note and expressed his sorrow on his death.

Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia said, "We wouldn't meet our family members as [often] as we met them [our contemporaries]. He was jovial and always made merry. But, on stage, he would sing like a lion. We have done many shows together."

In picture: Pandit Jasraj's family members arriving at Vile Parle's Pawan Hans Crematorium.

Classical Sarod player Amjad Ali Khan said, "Pandit Jasraj's passing away marks the end of an era. I shared so many festivals with Jasraj bhai right from the '60s. He gave a different dimension to vocal music. His musical approach and genius endeared him to the planet. His legacy lives on timelessly. I will miss him immensely both musically and personally".

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