Tributes pour in for tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, PM Modi calls him 'true genius'
Hussain died due to complications arising out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, according to his family. He was 73.
Tributes poured in for tabla maestro Zakir Hussain who died at a hospital in San Francisco, as confirmed by his family on Monday. Hussain, 73, died due to complications arising out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, according to his family.
Grieving the loss of one of the brightest stars in the sky of music, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and scores of others condoled Hussain’s demise.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary tabla maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain Ji. He will be remembered as a true genius who revolutionized the world of Indian classical music. He also brought the 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,” PM Modi wrote.
“Shocked, deeply saddened and devastated by the passing of Ustad Zakir Hussain. One of the greatest musicians and personalities India has ever produced. Along with being best himself, Zakirji was known for his humility, approachable nature,” musician Ricky Kej wrote on X.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called Hussain's demise an ‘irreparable loss’.
“I am deeply saddened by the demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain, who left an indelible mark on the world of classical music. Zakir Hussain ji, who made playing the tabla his way of life, gave Indian music a reputation all over the world with the swara and dhamaka of his art. His demise is an irreparable loss for the world of art and music. My condolences are with his family and fans in this hour of grief,” he said.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjeev Arora said that the world had lost its rhythm with Hussain's passing.
“The world has lost a rhythm, a heartbeat with the passing of Ustad #ZakirHussain at 73. His tabla was not just an instrument; it was a voice that spoke to the soul, bridging cultures and generations. His music will continue to echo, reminding us of his unmatched genius. Deepest condolences to his loved ones,” he wrote on social media.
Actor Kamal Hassan also took to X to pay tribute to the musical maestro.
“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,” he wrote.
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.
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.
Zakir Hussain's death
Zakir Hussain had been hospitalised for the last two weeks and was later taken to the ICU as his condition deteriorated. Reports had suggested that he had passed away on Sunday but his publicist and many others confirmed that he was alive but ‘critical’.
The tabla legend’s family confirmed the news of his demise on Monday morning.
Hussain has received four Grammy Awards in his career, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year.
In his career spanning six decades, the musician worked with several renowned international and Indian artistes, but it was his 1973 musical project with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar, and percussionist TH 'Vikku' Vinayakram that brought together Indian classical and elements of jazz in a fusion hitherto unknown.
The percussionist, one of India's most celebrated classical musicians, received the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.
