Dhrupad maestro Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar dies

Popular dhrupad vocalist Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar has died after a brief illness. He was 80.
Zia passed away yesterday at his Gurukul near Panvel, family sources said.
Son of the illustrious Dhrupadiya Ustad Ziauddin Dagar, Zia along with his brother, the late Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar (legendary Rudra Veena player), played a major role in the revival of dhrupad tradition.
Zia was born in Udaipur, Rajasthan on June 15, 1932, where his father was the court musician of Maharana Bhupal Singh of Udaipur. He was taught dhrupad vocal and veena by his father.
After his father's demise, Zia continued learning under his elder brother.

He performed in many major festivals in India and abroad. The musician was honoured with many awards in his illustrious career including the Sangeet Natak Academy Fellowship, Tagore Ratna Award and Tansen Samman among others.
Zia leaves behind a rich and vibrant tradition carried on by his students which include his nephew and Rudra Veena player Bahauddin Dagar, the Gundecha brothers, Uday Bhawalkar, Pushparaj Koshti, Ritwik Sanyal, Nirmalya Dey and many more.