Sunday, 22 December 2024
Sunday, 22 December 2024
His fingers flew, fluttered and floated in quicksilver changes of raga and rhythm, drumming up music and magic. Zakir Hussain was the maestro of tabla, percussionist, composer and even actor – a legend who was India’s very own and yet belonged to the world.
The tabla fell silent as Ustad Zakir Hussain, a towering global ambassador of Indian classical music, passed away on December 16, 2024 in San Francisco, California, after a brief illness. He was 73.
Hussain died from complications arising out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the family said in a statement.
As news of Hussain's passing spread, messages of condolence poured in on social media.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to iconic tabla player Zakir Hussain, saying he will be remembered as a true genius who revolutionised the world of Indian classical music.
Expressing grief at his death, Modi said he brought tabla to the global stage, captivating millions with his unparalleled rhythm. Through this, he seamlessly blended Indian classical traditions with global music, thus becoming an icon of cultural unity, Modi added.
He said on X, "His iconic performances and soulful compositions will contribute to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers alike. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the global music community."
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday described Zakir Hussain was "one of the greatest tabla players of all times" and said his death was a huge loss for the nation.
"Deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely death of Ustad Zakir Hussain, the renowned maestro and one of the greatest tabla players of all times. This is a huge loss for the country and his millions of admirers across the planet," Banerjee posted on X.
"I convey my sincere condolences to the family, fraternity and followers of the great artist," she added.
"A true legend, Ustad Zakir Hussain, who brought immense joy through his rhythmic brilliance. Your music transcends boundaries and will live on forever," Satya Nadella said in a post on LinkedIn and X.
Gautam Adani, founder chairman of ports-to-energy Adani Group, took to X, formerly Twitter, to condole his death.
"The world has lost a rhythm it can never replace. Ustad Zakir Hussain, our maestro whose tabla beats will forever echo in the soul of India, leaves behind his inimitable form of timeless art. His legacy is an eternal taal, resonating through generations to come. RIP," he wrote.
Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej remembered Hussain for his "immense humility, approachable nature".
"One of the greatest musicians and personalities India has ever produced. Along with being the best himself, Zakir ji was known for… being responsible for the careers of numerous musicians, who are now forces to reckon with themselves," Kej said in a post on X.
"He was a treasure trove of skill and knowledge and always shared and encouraged the entire music community through collaborations and his actions. His legacy will live on forever, and his influence will be felt for generations. He left us too soon," he added.
American drummer Nate Smith thanked Hussain for "all of the music you gave us".
In February, Hussain became the first musician from India to receive three Grammys at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in February for Best Global Music Album, Best Global Music Performance and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.
"I am overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of love, affection, and blessings for my multiple Grammy wins. It is impossible for me to individually respond to all of you but be assured that you are all in my heart and I'm bowing to each and every one of you in thanks. It was a great day for India at the Grammys and I'm proud to be carrying the national flag," he wrote on Instagram at the time.
Words fail me at this point, said Sarod virtuoso Amjad Ali Khan in an X post.
"I am completely heartbroken and devastated to hear about Zakir Bhai. Ustad Zakir Hussain was a phenomenon. He was indeed one of the most loved musicians the world saw," he wrote.
Kamal Haasan shared a picture of himself with Hussain playing the tabla on social media.
"Zakir Bhai! He left too soon. Yet we are grateful for the times he gave us and what he left behind in the form of his art. Goodbye and Thank you," the veteran Tamil actor posted on X.
Sarangi exponent Kamal Sabri called Hussain's death a "great loss" to all forms of music, be it Indian classical or global.
"He was an amazing musician who represented Indian music on the global stage for a long time," he told PTI.
"He was an inspiration. It's an irreparable loss... He was the most famous Indian musician world over," classical vocalist Wasifuddin Dagar told PTI.
Leading musicians of West Bengal on Monday mourned the death of Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, describing him as a humble artist despite being the last of the Mohicans in the world of classical music.
Santoor artist Pt Tarun Bhattacharya said, "There will not be another Zakir Hussain. He was the last Mohican in the world of classical music or one of the last Mohicans." Hussain experimented with Tabla bol (rhythm) in different classical ragas and style, Bhattacharya said, adding that Tablas used to speak under his hand.
Bhattacharya recalled that he would touch the feet of elders on stage before any performance.
He was the one who had brought Indian tabla before the world and made Indian classical instrumental music on par with the Beatles, the Santoor player said.
Gima award winner and jury member for Grammy, Tabla artist Pradyut Mukherjee, described Hussain as a versatile player who was a great performer on stage.
"I consider him as a mentor though he was not officially my guru. I had learnt rhythms and beats from him and he was always very humble and polite never showing any high highhandedness to newcomers," he said.
Mukherjee said Hussain was always eager to help a budding talent if he could spot any spark in his repertoire.
"Zakir ji used to visit the shop of a Tabla maker in South Kolkata and would use their instrument for his performance here and abroad," Mukherjee said.
Sarod player Pt Tejendra Narayan Majumdar said Hussain had been performing at the Swara Samrat Festival, which is being held here, for nine years.
"Zakir Bhai was expected to regale the audiences with his tabla wizardry yesterday also, the third of four-day festival. We all knew he was not keeping well. But he has gone too soon. The emptiness and the sense of loss is yet to sink in," he said.
At the 2024 Grammys, Hussain earned his first honour for best global music album for “This Moment” as part of the fusion music group Shakti, which includes founding member British guitarist John McLaughlin, as well as vocalist Shankar Mahadevan, violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan and percussionist Selvaganesh Vinayakram.
He later won two other awards for the best global music performance for "Pashto" and best contemporary instrumental album for "As We Speak", along with flautist Rakesh Chaurasia, American banjo player Bela Fleck and American bassist Edgar Meyer.
Bollywood actor Anupam Kher mourned the passing of Ustad Zakir Hussain with a heartfelt video shared on social media. He wrote, "I don’t know how long my heart will remain sad. I don’t know how long my voice will remain silent. Goodbye, my friend. You have left this world, but you will remain in our memories for centuries—your talent, your music, and your childlike smile that touched the depths of our hearts."
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta credited Hussain for bringing "an accompanying instrument to the forefront".
"The maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away a few hours ago. Goodbye Ustad ji. The man who made the tabla sexy, who brought an accompanying instrument to the forefront is gone. Deepest condolences to his family, fans and students around the globe," Mehta said.
Actor and filmmaker Riteish Deshmukh also expressed his grief, calling Hussain’s passing an "irreparable loss." He wrote, "The loss of Zakir Hussain Sahab is a devastating blow to India and the global music community. Sir, your music was a gift—a treasure that will continue to inspire and uplift generations. Your legacy will live on.
May your soul rest in eternal glory, surrounded by the rhythms and melodies. Condolences to the family and loved ones of the legendary Zakir Hussain Sahab," he added.
Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar said he is "pained" to know about the multiple award-winning percussionist's death.
"He was truly a treasure for our country's musical heritage. Om Shanti," he wrote on X.
Actor Manoj Bajpayee called it a "devastating, huge loss."
Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar said there will never be "another" Zakir Hussain as she shared a picture of the renowned musician.
The percussionist was once voted the “sexiest man” by women readers of the Indian magazine “Gentleman” in 1994 in a competition against the likes of Amitabh Bachchan.
Expressing his condolences to Hussain's family, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called him a "cultural ambassador who bridged borders and generations with his mesmerising rhythms".
"The Padma Vibhushan tabla maestro and percussionist, gloriously took forward the legacy of his father with exceptional performances and collaborations. His numerous national and international honours are a testament to this," Kharge said.
Condoling Hussain’s demise, former Union minister Sharad Pawar said, “The news of the demise of renowned tabla player Padma Bhushan Ustad Zakir Hussain is heartbreaking. Zakir Hussain was known as the most famous tabla player in India, was a multi-faceted personality.” “He established the tabla, an instrument of Indian music, on the world stage... A legend in the art world passed away today,” Pawar said.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called the percussionist "a beacon of India's rich musical heritage and a true custodian of classical traditions".
"Ustad Zakir Hussain was instrumental in popularising Indian music across the globe, serving as a beacon of India's rich musical heritage. A true custodian of classical traditions, his contributions to the arts remain unparalleled. His passing is a monumental loss to culture and humanity. Heartfelt condolences to his loved ones," Vijayan said.
Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan has expressed grief over the demise of tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain and said the country has lost one of its most beloved and cherished cultural icons.
In his condolence message, the Governor called the musician a devoted disciple and son of the great Ustad Alla Rakha who elevated the “humble” tabla to global prominence.
“His extraordinary performance made him popular among classical purists and the broader audience, captivating all with his intense yet playful and engaging performances,” said the Governor.
Hussain had become a household name in Indian classical music, Radhakrishnan said.
As an accompanist, Hussain had the rare privilege of performing with three generations of musicians, leaving an indelible legacy. His loss has created an unparalleled void in the musical world, the Governor said.
“With his passing, India—especially Maharashtra—has lost one of its most beloved and cherished cultural icons. Ustad Zakir Hussain’s music will remain eternal, inspiring generations of musicians to innovate and aim for excellence. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and the countless admirers,” he added.
Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also paid tribute, describing Hussain as an "irreplaceable legend".
"The world of music will be lesser without tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and his fans all around the world. My prayers, Om Shanti," she said on X.
