pune

Updated: Aug 01, 2017 09:46 IST

Eminent classical singer Ustad Sayeeduddin Dagar, who is credited with keeping the Dhrupad tradition of Indian classical music alive, died late last night due to old age. He was 78 and is survived by his wife and two sons.

Sayeeduddin was not keeping well since the past few days and was under medical treatment.He breathed last at around 12.30 am.

Representing 20th generation of Dagar family, Sayeeduddin Dagar rigorously followed family tradition to keep the Dhrupad tradition alive. He settled in Pune around two decades ago. He is credited with making the Dhrupad tradition popular in Maharashtra. Dagar has a large following in India and abroad as he worked to spread Dhrupad throughout his life.

Considered as the one of the oldest style of classical singing of North Indian music, Dhrupad was known to be on top during the period of Tansen. Known for its rigidity, Dhrupad has always been difficult for the common man to appreciate. Dhrupad is considered as almost extinct. However, the Dagar family has kept this form alive.