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Tabla virtuoso Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away at the age of 73 in the United States on Sunday after complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the family said in a statement. “He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come,” the statement read.
The news of his untimely demise sent shockwaves in the music world, and many paid their tributes to the five-time Grammy award winner. Sitarist Shujaat Khan, who spoke to Hussain’s wife, Tony (Antonia Minnecola), expressed in a conversation with indianexpress.com that the loss enormously saddens him. “I just finished talking with Tony, his wife, who has been a friend since 1976. You can imagine how close I feel to the family. I can only add to what millions of others know and will say about his greatness as a musician — that he was probably the greatest musician of our time. More than that, a huge pride for our music fraternity. The way he went about his work, fame, business, music, performances…I have personal memories of traveling together, spending time with him, and performing togethers. My condolences to his family and his music family for going through this really difficult time,” Khan, who recollected how the couple came and danced at his daughter’s wedding a few years ago, said.
Photojournalist and visual historian Raghu Rai, who took portraits of him for his book Raghu Rai: Great Music Maestro, expressed shock at his passing. “Strange, shocking. How could this happen to him? Nobody has ever been like him. No one can ever come close to him. Zakir was handsome, flamboyant, and magical. He was a madman, a great artiste. He was and will be remembered as a magician of tabla. Nobody has ever created silence with an instrument like he did,” Rai told indianexpress.com.
Sarod player Amaan Ali Khan said, “What to say; don’t feel like speaking on this. Just very shattered”.
Kathak maestro Shovana Narayan went down memory lane. “It is shocking to hear the news of Zakir bhai‘s demise. I had known him since he entered the scene in the early 70s. And then because he and Ustad Shafaat Ahmad Khan were very good friends. So there were many occasions when the three of us used to meet. Shafaat Bhai, Zakir Bhai and myself. I remember he used to come for my performances when I was performing at NCPA Bombay. Once in 1982, when he had come to Vienna for a performance, he and Hari Prasad Chaurasia, they even stayed with us. And we had a great time those three, four days,” Narayan recollected.
Calling the legend a “fabulous artiste”, Narayan described, “his nimble fingers could play all kinds of rhythms and it was so musical”. “It was like he was playing music with his fingers on the tabla. And he was adept at all instruments, all percussion instruments. You name it, and he would just pick it up and do it. What I liked about him was his immense humility and friendliness. He was so humble and friendly, not an ounce of arrogance in his personality. And that is, and with the great artiste, he was made absolutely another exceptional artist and human being,” Narayan shared.
Narayan elaborated that very few people like him “have reached the top of their professional careers and yet have their heads firmly and their places and their feet firmly on the ground”. Indeed, Hussain Sahab was one of the few rare gems.
Echoing similar sentiments, singer and composer Shubha Mudgal said, “I am unable to come to terms with the fact that we will no longer be fortunate enough to witness the genius and charisma of an artiste like Ustad Zakir Hussain, a true Bharat Ratna.I mourn his loss and grieve with his family, disciples and admirers and thank him for being the icon he was for me and countless other music students.”
The passing of Ustad Zakir Hussain ji is an “irreparable loss” to the world of music, noted Santoor maestro and composer Pandit Abhay Rustum Sopori. “His unparalleled mastery and lifelong dedication to Tabla elevated it to global prominence. One of the most remarkable aspects of his artistry was how effortlessly he made complex variations accessible, captivating even first-time listeners. His tabla transcended generations, and will forever resonate in the rhythms he created, and he will be remembered through his music as it was often said “Wah Ustad Wah”.”
Indian lyricist and playback singer Swanand Kirkire expressed his “deep admiration for the legend”. “I didn’t have a direct association with him but I had a very deep admiration for him. You can say like from my childhood, I’m listening to him. I always wanted to become a tabla player. I always wanted to become Zakir Hussain. I have seen him live. I have heard him live many times. I have seen him perform with Birju Maharaj and Ravi Shankar. I’ve seen him perform with various big, big artistes. I’ve seen him in films. And then I got a chance to work with him at the Prithvi Memorial Festival, which happens every year,” shared Kirkire.
Kathak dancer and filmmaker Beenu Rajpoot said: “The news of the passing away of the outstanding table player Ustad Zakir Hussain is extremely sad. Indeed, the rhythm of Indian notes is over. No one can replace the lost rhythm in the world. His tabla spoke a global language. I extend our condolences to his family and his fans worldwide. The departure of the legendary table player has left the whole world in silence. His table has left behind a legacy cherished and respected by countless music lovers worldwide, the impact of which will be visible for generations to come.”
