Pandit Jasraj

Pandit Jasraj was born on January 28, 1930, in Pili Mandori, Haryana (then part of Punjab, British India), and belonged to a musical family. His father, Pandit Motiram, was a classical vocalist. After his father's passing, he learned music under his elder brother, Pandit Maniram. He was first trained in tabla but chose vocal music during his teenage years. He was first trained in tabla but chose vocal music during his teenage years. He spent his early years in Hyderabad and also traveled to Gujarat for training in the Mewati Gharana tradition. 

He initially performed on the radio and later established himself as a classical stage performer. His first major concert as a vocalist took place in Kathmandu in 1952. Pandit Jasraj became known for a soulful style of khayal singing that blended emotion, clarity, and devotional depth. He also introduced "Jasrangi," a form of jugalbandi where male and female vocalists sing different ragas together. 

He trained many students who later became known performers and founded music institutions in India, the United States, and Canada. His work helped bring the Mewati gharana to global recognition. Pandit Jasraj received national honors, including Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan. He passed away on 17 August 2020 in New Jersey, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that continues to guide new vocalists and listeners of Indian classical music.