Ustad Bashir Khan, one of Pakistan’s most celebrated tabla players, has passed away at the age of 80 after a brief illness, his family confirmed on Thursday.
A Pride of Performance recipient and stalwart of the Punjab Gharana, Ustad Bashir’s illustrious career saw him perform with legends like Noor Jahan, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and Abida Parveen. He also served as a faculty member at NAPA.
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Sharif Awan, Director of Tehzeeb Foundation, remembered him as “one of the world’s most stylish tabla maestros,” admired across India and Pakistan for his signature style.
Despite his fame, Ustad Bashir was known for his humility and quiet dedication to his craft, remaining free of controversies throughout his life.
