Raja Hossain Khan

Raja Hossain Khan (1938 – March 6, 1989), was one of the most distinguished Music Directors, Composer and Violin Players of Bangladesh. He came from a family which produced a galaxy of musicians of world repute. He was the nephew of the music Maestro of the subcontinent Ustad Alauddin Khan, and Ustad Ayet Ali Khan. Raja Hossain Khan was the youngest son on Ustad Nayeb Ali Khan.

Early life and training

Born in Brahmanbaria, he began his music lessons in violin with his father. Later he went to Kolkata to continue his higher Talim (Intensive Training) from his cousin Ustad Bahadur Khan, a great Sarod Player in the sub-continent. Raja Hossain Khan took intensive practice for a period of 3 years. He then took music lessons from Ustad Dr. Ali Akbar Khan, his another cousin, and also from his own eldest brother Ustad Khadem Hossain Khan.

Career

Raja Hossain Khan then joined Dhaka Radio (Bangladesh Betar) as a ‘Staff Artist’. He was also associated in the film industry, and was Music Director to a number of movies. He was accorded State Award for music direction in the film ‘Surjagrohon’. He tuned a large number of popular songs for National Radio and Television (BTV), which were sung by reputed artists of Bangladesh. He also visited a number of countries of the world as a member of cultural delegations.

Raja Hossain Khan was the father of three sons named Palash Khan, Titas Khan, and Plabon Khan. He died in a tragic road accident on March 6, 1989.