Pandit Jasraj has been reckoned as foremost exponent of the Mewati gharana of Hindustani classical music. Pandit Jasraj is being honoured as the `contemporary doyen of North Indian Vocals`. Pandit Jasraj`s singing is a harmonious blend of classic and opulent elements, projecting traditional music as an intense spiritual expression, at once chaste and densely coloured. Pandit Jasraj always attempted to experiment with his music. As he holds a good command over all the aspects of `Laya`, it reflected through the clarity of `Sur`. Utmost tunefulness in his execution on the top of great choice of composition has always been his trademark.
Early Life of Pandit Jasraj
This classical maestro was born on 1930 at Hisar district, Haryana to a family of musician. His family is serving in the field of music for four generation. He was initiated to the music under the umbrella of his father, late Pandit Motiram. Later on he has continued his training under the guidance of his elder brother late Sangeet Mahamahopadhyaya Pandit Maniram. He has also received training under his spiritual guru, late Maharana Jaiwant Singh of Anand.
Career of Pandit Jasra
1937: Jasraj first performed on stage as a Tabla artist
1951: First radio performance;
1952: First ever public concert before King Tribhuvan Vikram of Nepal
1954: 6th March - first performance at a conference;
1954: First conference in Kolkata;
1959: A landmark duet with older brother Maniramji which lasted for an incredible six hours;
1960: A duet with older brother at Gwalior which was included in the national programme;
1960: 1st Radio Sangeet Sammelan;
1963: Sang for Radio Sangeet Sammelan before Pandit Omkarnath Thakur;
1963: Received `A` class categorisation in Mumbai Radio;
1964: Sang for Gandharva Mahavidyalaya conference at Jaipur
1966: Sang for the Vishnu Digamber Jayanti Samaroha;
1960-1975: Sang for the Tansen Festival at Gwalior every year;
1967: Received `Top` class categorisation in Radio;
1971-1972: 1st documentary made by Beveridge for the Yorke University;
1977: The beginning of his journeys across the seas;
2002: 28th Dec - Special Performance at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New
2003: 11th Jan - Concert in honour of noble prize winner Mr. John Nash at `Teen Murti` in Delhi
Discography of Pandit Jasraj
* Raga Symphony (2009)
* Baiju Bawra (2008)
* Upasana (2007)
* Tapasya Vol. 1 (2005)
* Darbar (2003)
* Maheshwara Mantra (2002)
* Soul Food (2005)
* Jasraj, Pandit Vol. 2 - Haveli Sangeet
* Inspiration (2000)
* Ragas Triveni and Multani Live
* Ragas Bihada and Gaud Giri Malhar
* Worship By Music/Live Stuggart `88
* Ornamental Voice
Awards won by Pandit Jasraj
* Padma Vibhushan, (art-classical music-vocal) in 2000
* Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987
* Sangeet Kala Ratna
* Master Dinanath Mangeshkar Award
* Lata Mangeshkar Puraskar
* Maharashtra Gaurav Puraskar
* Surer Guru
* Swathi Sangeetha Puraskaram in 2008
* Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (2010)
* Marwar Sangeet Ratna Award
Personal Life of Pandit Jasraj
He married a Madhura, the daughter of the legendary film director V. Shantaram in the year 1962. Shaarangdev and Durga are the proud children of this couple and are well established in the field of music direction and small screen.