By BY-BKA 
The world of Indian classical music has lost one of its most cherished voices, as sarangi maestro Pandit Ram Narayan passed away, leaving an indelible void in the hearts of music lovers worldwide. Known for his mastery over the sarangi, Pandit Ram Narayan elevated the ancient instrument to unprecedented heights, inspiring generations with his soulful performances and technical prowess.
Prominent musicians, including celebrated singer Kavita Krishnamurthy and renowned artist Adnan Sami, expressed their sorrow and paid heartfelt tributes. Kavita Krishnamurthy described his passing as a monumental loss, recalling how his music touched the soul. Adnan Sami, too, shared his condolences, saying that Pandit Ram Narayan’s legacy would forever inspire the music community.
The legacy of Pandit Ram Narayan, often revered as a pioneering figure for bringing the sarangi to the global stage, remains a testament to his dedication to Indian classical music.
Legendary Sarangi Maestro Pandit Ram Narayan Passes Away at 96; Tributes Flow from Adnan Sami, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Sonal Mansingh, and Ronu Majumdar
Mumbai mourns the passing of Pandit Ram Narayan, the legendary sarangi virtuoso, who died peacefully at 96 on Saturday, surrounded by his family and students at his home in Bandra. Known worldwide for his exceptional contribution to Hindustani classical music, Pandit Narayan’s passing has sparked an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from prominent artists, musicians, and admirers.
Playback singer Kavita Krishnamurthy shared a moving tribute, describing Pandit Ram Narayan as a central figure in the Indian film industry. “Music directors like Madan Mohan wouldn’t record without him,” she recalled. However, Pandit Narayan eventually left film music to perform on concert stages across India and around the globe. Having had the honor of being mentored by him in the mid-1970s, Krishnamurthy expressed feeling “fortunate” for the invaluable lessons she learned under his guidance. “He was a committed and serious teacher with a sweet and emotional voice, though he never sang publicly,” she added.
Renowned music director and singer Adnan Sami also grieved the loss, paying tribute to the sarangi legend on social media. “I’m deeply saddened by the passing of one of the greatest Sarangi Maestros that the Indian Subcontinent has ever witnessed—Pandit Ram Narayan ji. He hailed from the distinguished ’Kirana Gharana’ and was the recipient of the prestigious Padma Vibhushan,” Sami shared in his tweet.
The Sangeet Natak Akademi echoed the sentiments of loss, honoring Ram Narayan’s immense contributions to Indian classical music. Flutist Ronu Majumdar, too, expressed his grief, describing the maestro’s passing as a “huge loss for the music community.” He emphasized that future generations of musicians would continue to learn from Pandit Narayan’s musical legacy.
Pandit Ram Narayan’s life and music have left an indelible impact on the world of Indian classical music. His artistry and teachings will continue to inspire and influence countless musicians, preserving his legacy for generations to come.