Indian classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj passed away on Monday, 17th Aug. He had turned 90 in January this year.

Pandit Jasraj will be remembered as the who added elements of the thumri to the khayal, giving it more flexibility and making it more audience-friendly. This would have been considered blasphemous half a century ago, when the khayal was serious business and sung without any ornamentation. Even the bandish would be sung with a certain indifference.