Tribute to Ustad Rais Khan : By Ramprapanna Bhattacharya





Tribute to Ustad Rais Khan (1939 - 2017)

This is a short note to convey my personal thanks, gratitude and regards to the immortal Sitar Wizard for being one of the most important inspirations to play the Sitar.


Ustad Rais Khan was probably one of the most versatile, naturally talented and gifted sitarists ever born in our planet. Though he played Gandhar-Pancham Sitar (most suitable for Gayaki Ang) which was actually introduced by another supreme genius - Ustad Vilayat Khan, he wanted a different tonal quality out of it. Hence he used 4# string as the main string, whereas 3#or 3.5# was the standard gauge for Sitar main string. Also He tuned his Sitar at 'D'. This gave a unique melodious tonal quality in his sitar which was his own.

Ustad ji had a unique balance between two hands. His 'Andaaz' and execution of Murkis, Gamaks, Chhut Taans and Sapat Taans had a different dimension. Any musical phrase even in tremendous speed was executed with superlative perfection, clarity and supreme aesthetics, which was elegant, tuneful and melodious at the same time. Initially he used to perform in the traditional Alap-Jod-Ulta~Jhala-Vilambit-Drut-Jhala format which is the general practice among the instrumentalists. But to sync more with Khayal style, he adopted the performance format including small ‘Aochar’ on the raga, followed by ‘Ati Vilambit’ composition (with Alap style vistaar, followed by few rhythmic variations and Taan), Drut composition (with varieties of vistaar, taans) and Jhala. His music was natural, impromptu and improvised on spot - just like his nature as a person. He chose the proportion of the rhythmic elements which was suitable for his own music and temperament. However, sitar students like us had greater expectations while attending his live concerts. We wanted to hear something more than Charukeshi / Vachaspati which were his most frequent choice in last one and half decades.

Khan sahib was an outstanding Ghazal singer and composer. His most of the memorable Sitar performances used to conclude with his marvelous Ghazals / folk tunes / Dhuns. He immortalized the Afgaani dhun 'Anar Anar' on Sitar. In one of his concerts in Mumbai I heard him playing and singing Marathi Abhang! His commercial pieces played along with singers like Lata Mangeshkar has already created history. 

Ustad Rais Khan lived his life like a king. He was an excellent swimmer, badminton player, had pilot’s license and also loved car races. The world will remember him as an eternal lover, immortal sitarist, also for his royal and graceful gestures and angel-like presence. 


Ustad Rais Khan passed away on 6th May 2017 in Karachi, Pakistan.

 © Ramprapanna Bhattacharya

Raag: Tilak Kamod:



Ghoongroo Toot Gaye:


Comments

Unknown said…
Rama beta.....you have a deep soul.
May 11, 2017 at 3:42 AM
pradip said…
That is a real tribute to the departed soul. Ramprapanna your writing reveals the extent of love and respect you nurture in your heart for the genius and the instrument. I am sure you will diligently carry on the torch lighted by the legends of our gharana in future.
May 14, 2017 at 9:40 AM
pradip said…
That is a real tribute to the departed soul. Ramprapanna your writing reveals the extent of love and respect you nurture in your heart for the genius and the instrument. I am sure you will diligently carry on the torch lighted by the legends of our gharana in future.
May 14, 2017 at 9:48 AM
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