The Sangeet Natak Akademi and its associate bodies deeply mourn the sad demise of Dhrupad maestro Ustad Rahim Fahimuddin Dagar, Fellow of the Akademi, who passed away at New Delhi on 27 July 2011.

Born in 1927 in Alwar, Rajasthan, Shri Rahim Fahimuddin Dagar hailed from an eminent family of Dhrupad musicians. He was initiated into music by his illustrious father Ustad Allahbande Rahimuddin Khan Dagar, and was later trained under Shri Nasiruddin Dagar, Imamuddin Dagar, and Hussainuddin Dagar. He was also trained in the Rudra Veena by Shri Ziauddin Khan Dagar.

Among the most respected masters of Dhrupad, Shri Rahim Fahimuddin Dagar was known for the power and spontaneity of his alap, and for his rich repertoire of traditional bandishes, some of which date back to the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Over a long concert career, he had distinguished himself by the quality of his raga-elaboration and his mastery over rhythm.

A frequent performer on All India Radio and Doordarshan, Shri Rahim Fahimuddin Dagar presented his music in festivals all over the country. He also performed abroad. Well known as a teacher, he had taught at Rabindra Bharati University in Kolkata. The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, New Delhi, prepared a special documentation on his art.

He had been honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1993, the Sahitya Kala Parishad Samman in 1996, the Bihar Dhrupad Ratna award in 2002, the Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2003, the Padma Bhushan in 2008. For his outstanding contribution to Hindustani music, Shri Rahim Fahimuddin Dagar was elected Fellow of Sangeet Natak Akademi this year.

With the passing away of Ustad Rahim Fahimuddin Dagar, the world of Indian music has lost a legendary musician, who will be remembered for years to come.