The world lost one of its greatest musical icons, Ustad Zakir Hussain, who passed away at the age of 73 in a San Francisco hospital on Monday. Known for his unparalleled artistry on the tabla, Hussain succumbed to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis after being hospitalized for two weeks. His family confirmed the news and shared that his health had deteriorated rapidly, leading to his transfer to intensive care.
A Loss Felt Across the Globe
Tributes poured in from all corners of the world as news of Hussain’s passing spread. Social media was flooded with heartfelt messages from fans, artists, and dignitaries. Among them were prominent politicians, industrialists, and cultural icons who mourned the loss of a legend who took Indian classical music to global heights.
Messages from Political Leaders
- Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, wrote: “The news of the demise of the great tabla player Ustad Zakir Hussain ji is extremely sad. His demise is a great loss for the music world. My condolences are with his family and fans in this hour of grief. Ustad Zakir Hussain ji has left behind a legacy of his art, which will always remain alive in our memories.”
- Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, expressed: “The passing away of Ustad Zakir Hussain Sahab leaves our world of culture poorer. Making his fingers dance on the dayan and bayan, he took Indian tabla to the global stage and will always be synonymous with its intricate rhythms.”
- Jyotiraditya Scindia, Communications Minister, remarked: “Zakir Hussain ji’s tabla spoke a universal language, transcending borders, cultures, and generations… The sound and vibrations of his rhythm will echo in our hearts forever.”
Tributes from Industry Leaders
- Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, poignantly wrote: “Rhythm of India paused today… In tribute.”
- Gautam Adani, Chairman of Adani Group, shared: “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.”
- Harsh Goenka, Chairman of RPG Enterprises, reflected: “The world falls silent as the tabla loses its maestro. Ustad Zakir Hussain, a rhythmic genius who brought the soul of India to global stages, has left us… His beats will echo eternally.”
Heartfelt Memories from Fellow Artists
Renowned singer Anup Jalota, who collaborated closely with Hussain, reminisced about their time together: “His passing is a huge loss because the truth is, such a tabla player has never existed, nor will there ever be one. Playing the tabla in such an effective and interesting way, he made it so engaging. His passing is a huge loss. I toured America and Canada with him; we performed together. He would play the tabla with me, and I would sing. We did 10-12 programs in America and Canada. Every moment with him is a cherished memory.”
Ustad Zakir Hussain: A Legacy Beyond Compare
Born into a family of musical maestros, Zakir Hussain carved a niche for himself as one of the finest percussionists in the world. He brought Indian classical music to a global audience, performing on prestigious stages and collaborating with legendary artists across genres. His ability to weave intricate rhythms and breathe life into the tabla earned him numerous accolades and adoration from fans worldwide.
An Eternal Rhythm
Zakir Hussain’s artistry transcended boundaries, making him a global ambassador of Indian music. His beats, a perfect harmony of tradition and innovation, have left an indelible mark on the world of music. While the maestro’s passing is a monumental loss, his legacy lives on through the rhythms he created and the hearts he touched.
As tributes continue to pour in, one thing is certain: Ustad Zakir Hussain’s music will echo eternally, reminding the world of the genius who made the tabla sing.
image from: https://filminformation.com/featured/ustad-zakir-hussain-passes-away-15-december-2024/
