Sarangi Maestro Pandit Ram Narayan Passes Away

On 9th November 2024, Pandit Ram Narayan, renowned for elevating the sarangi to classical music heights and delivering iconic Bollywood accompaniments, passed away at the age of 96.

Pandit Ram Narayan, one of the last legends of sarangi, transitioned this intricate folk instrument into the realm of Indian classical music, breaking its stereotype as an accompanying instrument for courtesans and gaining global recognition.
His iconic work can be heard in Bollywood masterpieces such as Mughal-e-Azam and Pakeezah, where he enhanced the emotional depth of songs like "Chalte Chalte" and "Pyar Kiya Toh Darna Kya" with his soulful sarangi riffs.
His solo career took off in the 1960s with groundbreaking HMV albums—a rarity for sarangi players then—followed by international performances, including at prestigious venues like the Royal Albert Hall, where he popularized his unique blend of Indian and Western music styles.