New Delhi, Dec 3 (UNI) First authorised biographical work on Padma Vibhushan Pandit Jasraj titled 'Rasraj: Pandit Jasraj', authored by noted writer and poet Sunita Budhiraja has been released.

The book was launched in the presence of Madhura Pandit Jasraj, Yogai Sharma and Durga Jasraj at the 46th Pt Motiram and Pt Maniram Annual Music Festival in Hyderabad on Sunday.

'Rasraj: Pandit Jasraj' provides insights into the life and musical journey of Pt Jasraj and has incidents and anecdotes from 88 years life span of the living legend from the time of his birth to the time he played

Tabla and then to his becoming top most vocalist in Hindustani Classical Music.

Years of interactive sessions with the maestro, his disciples all over the world, his family and friends, have made the book a very interesting read.

' 'Rasraj: Pt Jasraj' was first launched in the US and was waiting for an appropriate opportunity for its release in India. What better moment and honour than the Pt Motiram and Pt Maniram Music Festival and day when Pt

Jasraj himself pays his musical tribute to his Gurus. I am extremely excited and elated that this biography of Pandit Jasraj was launched in the presence of Madhura Pandit Jasraj, Durga Jasraj and other family

members who have been very supportive in the creation of this biography,' said Ms Budhiraja.

The festival is conducted every year in the memory of Pt Jasraj’s father Pt Motiram and elder brother and

Guru Pt Maniram in Hyderabad.

The doyen of Mewati Gharana of Indian Classical music Pt Jasraj’s musical journey has been very adventurous, the same is true of the journey of his life.

The book is full of tales about the childhood of Pandit Jasraj and also his little steps towards becoming a world famous vocalist of Hindustani Classical music.

It gives detailed account of not only the musical journey but also his struggle, the ups and downs of his life, and

includes interesting instances and small and big events which have been instrumental in the making of Pt Jasraj.

'Rasraj : Pt Jasraj' is the first biography of the living legend Pt Jasraj and it has interesting account with his family, friends, contemporary artistes, disciples that make the book very readable.

It is published by Vani Prakashan. The 550 page book is published in both hard bound and paperback volumes.

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