Legendary sarangi player Pandit Ram Narayan dies at 96

Legendary sarangi maestro Pandit Ram Narayan died at 96, leaving behind a rich musical legacy. Tributes poured in to celebrate his contributions to Indian classical music.

In Short

• Pandit Ram Narayan died at 96
• He was a Padma Vibhushan and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award recipient
• Maharashtra Governor, Sangeet Natak Akademi condoled his death on X

Legendary sarangi player Pandit Ram Narayan died on November 9 at the age of 96. Born in 1927, Narayan was a renowned Hindustani musician and sarangi maestro. He was a recipient of the prestigious Padma Vibhushan and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.

Governor of Maharashtra, CP Radhakrishnan, paid tribute to Pandit Ram Narayan on X: "Deeply saddened to know about the demise of internationally acclaimed Sarangi maestro Pt Ram Narayan Ji. Pt Ram Narayan took Sarangi to global heights through his masterly performances. The sound of his Sarangi touched hearts and heavens (sic)."

Further adding, "In the true Indian tradition, Pt Narayan passed on the knowledge of Sarangi to numerous disciples from India and abroad. His divine music will live on for centuries. With his demise, an era in Sarangi has come to an end (sic)."

Sangeet Natak Akademi, on X, wrote, "Sangeet Natak Akademi and its associate bodies deeply mourn the sad demise of Ram Narayan, the renowned Hindustani musician and sarangi virtuoso. A recipient of the Padma Vibhushan and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, he passed away today. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved ones and prayers to the Almighty to give them enough strength to bear this irreparable loss (sic)."

The official X handle of Society for Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY) posted, "SPIC MACAY family is deeply saddened at the passing away of lengendary Sarangi player Pt Ram Narayan at the grand age of 96 last night. His artistic prowess was such that he had become almost synonymous with his instrument in the world of classical music (sic)."

Pandit Ram Narayan was celebrated for bringing the sarangi—a traditional Indian string instrument—into the spotlight as a solo concert instrument. His exceptional artistry earned him global recognition, with performances around the world. His work inspired countless musicians and preserved the rich legacy of sarangi for future generations.