New Delhi: On Monday, tributes for Zakir Hussain began pouring in as soon as the maestro’s passing was confirmed by his family.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. Zakir Bhai was an inspiration, a towering personality who elevated the tabla to global acclaim. His loss is immeasurable for all of us,” famed music composer A.R. Rahman wrote on X. “I regret not being able to collaborate with him as much as we did decades ago, though we had planned an album together. You shall be truly missed. May his family and his countless students worldwide find the strength to bear this immense loss.”
The tabla maestro died at a hospital in San Francisco due to complications arising out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, his family said Monday. He was 73.
Born on 9 March, 1951, in Mumbai, Ustad Zakir Hussain was awarded the Padma Shri in 1988, Padma Bhushan in 2002 and Padma Vibhushan in 2023.
He has also won four Grammy awards.
Another Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej remembered Hussain for his “immense humility, and 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 forced to reckon with themselves,” he posted.
The musician further said Hussain 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”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Hussain will be “remembered as a true genius who revolutionised the world of Indian classical music”, adding that he “brought tabla to the global stage, captivating millions with his unparalleled rhythm”.
In a post on X, he wrote, “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.”
American drummer Nate Smith thanked Hussain for “all of the music you gave us”.
Actor Kamal Haasan shared an old photo of him playing the tabla while Hussain gave taal. He wrote: “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”.
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta said on X: “The maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away a few hours ago. Goodbye Ustadji. 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.”
Actor Amitabh Bachchan wrote on his blog that Hussain was a genius, an “unmatched maestro”, calling his death an “immeasurable loss”.
Actor-director Nandita Das, for whose film Manto Hussain scored music, wrote in a heartfelt tribute on Instagram that the musician’s death felt “unreal”. She shared several photos of them together during the making of “Manto” where Nawazuddin Siddiqui played the title role.
Das wrote: “I have been looking through photos from 2017-18, and memories of working with him on the background score of ‘Manto’ came alive. One phone call and he said yes to the film. We worked in LA, on Zoom, in Mumbai. We argued, we laughed, we talked. I had the privilege of watching, observing and learning from him. I had some unfinished conversations that I was hoping to continue with him someday.”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called Hussain 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,” he added.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote: “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.”
Also Read: Zakir Hussain’s father introduced him to music as a newborn, reciting tabla rhythms in his ear