He was much more than a leading classical musician of his times. He was an intellectual leader who created a fresh ideology in Hindustani Raga sangeet which was so powerful in its impact that it directly or indirectly influenced a large number of subsequent artistes and styles. Khayal and tarana were the singing genres, which the Ustad worshipped with intense devotion and ardour. He cared most for improvisation with words in Khayal singing.

He was recipient of Sangeet Natak Akademi award in 1967, Presidential award in 1971, Padma Bhushan in 1971, Swar Vilas from sur singer sansad in 1971. He died a premature death in a car accident in Calcutta on February 13, 1974.