Renowned Pakistani sitarist Ustad Raees Khan passed away here on Saturday, media reports said on Sunday. He was 77. Khan is survived by his singer-wife Bilqees Khanum and four sons, Dawn reported. Born in Indore in Madhya Pradesh in 1939 into a family of musicians, he began playing sitar at a young age.

He belonged to one of the oldest and renowned musical families that still exist today. He was the direct descendant, through thirty generations, of the court musician to the Mughal Emperor in the 15th century. His music used to have a hypnotic effect even on those listeners who were not aware of the complexities of the Sitar. The fact that Khan Sahib was also an accomplished vocalist added to his popularity. At the end of his recitals, he often used to sing and demonstrate the same on the Sitar.

Apart from performing at a number of concerts solo, Khan collaborated with legendary shehnai player Ustad Bismillah Khan on stage.He also played sitar for film music composers. After marrying Bilqees Khanum in the 1980s, Khan moved to Pakistan, the Dawn reported.

Singer Lata Mangeshkar expressed her condolences. “Meri Unko Bhavpurna Shraddhanjali (My heartfelt tributes),” she tweeted.

Sitar ke jaadugar Ustad Rais Khan sahab aaj hamare bich nahi rahe ye khabar sunke mujhe bahut dukh hua.Meri unko bhavpurna shraddhanjali.

— Lata Mangeshkar (@mangeshkarlata) May 6, 2017