Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed condolences for Ustad Zakir Hussain on Monday stating that with the passing of the maestro, the tabla has lost its rhythm. Zakir Hussain died at a hospital in the US at the age of 73. “Extremely saddened to know about the passing away of the legendary tabla maestro Padma Vibhushan Ustad Zakir Hussain Sahab. His music elevated Indian tabla to global reverence, becoming a symbol of its intricate rhythms. A true stalwart of creativity, his music bridged generations, touching countless hearts. His legacy will forever resonate in every beat of the tabla. He made tabla immortal. My condolences to his family, friends, millions of followers & fan. ॐ शान्ति,” Fadnavis wrote in an X post titled “Tabla Lost its ‘ताल’(rhythm)!” In a press statement, Fadnavis said, “Zakir Hussain, Maharashtra’s illustrious son, made the world fall in love with tabla. Known for performing tabla jugalbandi across three generations, he inspired countless youth towards tabla playing. He created India’s distinct identity in the realm of tabla globally. The inseparable union of Padma Vibhushan Ustad Zakir Hussain and tabla has now been broken. The numerous magnificent mehfils he created with his magical fingers in the world of music will feel empty without the presence of this rhythm yogi. Tabla Lost its ‘ताल’(rhythm) ! Extremely saddened to know about the passing away of the legendary tabla maestro Padma Vibhushan Ustad Zakir Hussain Sahab. His music elevated Indian tabla to global reverence, becoming a symbol of its intricate rhythms. A true stalwart of… pic.twitter.com/WefKYP1ed6 — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) December 16, 2024 “Starting his tabla journey at the age of seven, Ustad Zakir Hussain elevated solo tabla performances to prestigious heights. He played a pivotal role in earning global recognition for Indian music. His disciples continue to serve music worldwide. He not only preserved the musical legacy inherited from his father but elevated tabla playing to unprecedented heights. Many have experienced the marvel of his ‘singing tabla’ through his magical fingers. His jugalbandi with senior artists was always a treat for connoisseurs. He consistently strived to provide platforms for young and promising artists to showcase their talent. “Zakir Hussain became synonymous with tabla. He accomplished the magnificent task of bringing this accompanying instrument to centre stage and securing its place in people’s hearts. His passing marks the fall of a brilliant star in Indian music. “I offer my heartfelt tributes to him. We share in the grief of his family and admirers.”
