In 2024, the world lost some legends - from ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas and actress Maggie Smith to business tycoon Ratan Tata and football great Franz Beckenbauer. We bid farewell to the icons who inspired millions with their exceptional contributions.
Franz Beckenbauer (11 Sept 1945 - 7 Jan 2024)
The iconic German footballer and manager, regarded as one of the greatest figures in the history of sports, passed away this year. Beckenbauer was born in Munich just after World War II and transformed football with his ground-breaking ‘total football’ style. Initially serving as captain, he guided West Germany to victory in 1974. He went on to achieve managerial success, leading the team to the 1986 finals and winning another championship in 1990. His later years were spent serving as a gracious ambassador for the game.
Ustad Rashid Khan (1 Jul 1968 – 9 Jan 2024)
After a battle with cancer, renowned Indian classical musician Ustad Rashid Khan passed away at the age of 55. He received the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award after being trained by Ustad Nissar Hussain Khan. Rashid Khan, who was identified as the 31st generation of Sangeet Samrat Mian Tansen, is arguably the last living legend of the Rampur Sahaswan gayaki (singing style). For over 30 years, he enthralled millions of fans of Hindustani vocal classical music with his skill in the 'Vilambit Khayal' gayaki.
Pankaj Udhas (17 May 1951 – 26 Feb 2024)
After a protracted illness, renowned Indian ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas passed away at the age of 72. He published more than 50 albums and other collections and was awarded the Padma Shri. ‘Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein’, ‘Mahiya Teri Kasam’, and ‘Chitthi Ayee Hai’ are a few of his best-known songs.
Ameen Sayani (21 Dec 1932 – 20 Feb 2024)
The voice booming from old radio sets captivated living rooms throughout the country with the words, ‘Namaskar bhaiyon aur behno, main aapka dost Ameen Sayani bol raha hoon.’ When All India Radio banned Bollywood music from being played, his show became a forum for promoting plain Hindustani music, which appealed to listeners all throughout India.
Originally a 30-minute show, Binaca Geetmala took off in 1952 and continued for decades, changing its name to Hit Parade, and eventually Cibaca Geetmala. Sayani's ‘Geetmala’ was a musical spectacle, and also demonstrated his profound comprehension of the changing musical world. His reputation as a radio maestro was cemented by the show’s success.
Iris Apfel (29 Aug 1921 – 1 Mar 2024)
Iris Apfel was a well-known interior designer before she and her husband Carl became public figures, thanks to the contract that got them to consult on interiors in the White House for six presidents. She was famous for her vibrant bohemian style, combining huge costume jewels with high couture to create irreverent, striking ensembles. She referred to herself as a ‘geriatric starlet’ and was frequently featured in the New York Times' style sections, photographed for Vogue Magazine, and featured in advertisements for Kate Spade, Coach, and MAC Cosmetics. Days after celebrating the Leap Year on her Instagram account, Apfel passed away at the age of 102.
Maggie Smith (28 Dec 1934 – 27 Sept 2024)
Legendary British actress Maggie Smith passed away at 89 earlier this year. In a career spanning 70 years, she won her two Oscars and five BAFTAs. In 1990, Queen Elizabeth II appointed her a Dame. She is renowned for her iconic appearances in Harry Potter and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
Ratan Tata (28 Dec 1937 – 9 Oct 2024)
At age 86, Ratan Naval Tata, business magnate and former Tata Group chairman passed away, leaving behind a significant legacy. From 1991 to 2012 and for a brief period in 2016, Tata presided over the Tata Group as its chairman. The Tata Group expanded rapidly under his direction, purchasing well-known companies including Jaguar, Land Rover, Tetley, and Corus. For his services, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008.
Rohit Bal (8 May 1961 – 1 Nov 2024)
After suffering a heart attack, renowned fashion designer Rohit Bal passed away at the age of 63. Celebrities from over the world, including Uma Thurman, Pamela Anderson, and Cindy Crawford, have worn the icon’s stunning designs.
Sharda Sinha (1 Oct 1952 – 5 Nov 2024)
The well-known Indian folk singer Sharda Sinha passed away at the age of 72 following complications brought on by multiple myeloma and septicaemia. She received the Padma Shri, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and the Padma Bhushan for her heartfelt Maithili and Bhojpuri songs.
Zakir Hussain (9 Mar 1951 – 15 Dec 2024)
A lung condition known as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis claimed the life of tabla maestro Zakir Hussain. He was renowned for his proficiency in both Indian classical music and worldwide fusion. He was the son of famed tabla virtuoso Ustad Alla Rakha and was honoured with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, among other honours. He brought Indian classical music to the world stage during his six-decade career by working with artists like Yo-Yo Ma, George Harrison, and John McLaughlin.
Image source: Tata.com, Impericon, India Times, LIC, Indian Express, Telegraph India