Guitarist Russell Khan, who accompanied many of Bangladesh’s leading singers over a career spanning more than three decades, died at his elder sister’s home in Dhaka’s Banani this morning. He was 52.
Instrumentalist Azmir Babu confirmed the news to Prothom Alo, which reported that Russell had been unwell for several days after contracting dengue and chikungunya.
Russell collapsed in the bathroom at his sister’s home this morning. A doctor examined him and pronounced him dead, attributing his death to a stroke, according to the report.
Throughout his long career, Russell performed alongside many of the country’s leading singers and became a familiar figure on stage. He was best known for playing the guitar but occasionally performed as a vocalist.
His last stage performance took place at an event in Manikganj on 13 October.
News of his death prompted an outpouring of grief from fellow musicians, artistes and well-wishers. Many shared condolences and memories of working with him on Facebook.
Russell’s namaz-e-janaza took place at 3:30pm today at a mosque near his elder sister’s home in Banani. His body was then being taken to his ancestral home in Bikrampur for burial at the family graveyard.
He is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.
