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Bollywood and Music Fraternity mourn Loss of Tabla Maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain

Sanjana Bailwal2 years ago2 years ago1038 mins

The Indian music world left in shock and grief with legendary tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain’s demise. The 73-year-old musician, considered one of the most celebrated Indian musicians internationally, passed away in a San Francisco hospital due to complications of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, according to his family on Monday.

Ustad Zakir Hussain’s death spelled the end of an era in Indian classical music. Known as a phenomenon for his sublime artistry and global impact, Hussain was cherished not only as a tabla maestro but also as a cultural ambassador who brought Indian music to international prominence.

Condolences and Tributes Roll in for a Phenomenon

Music legends, Bollywood stars, and public figures have been paying heartfelt tributes to the maestro. Sarod virtuoso Amjad Ali Khan expressed his grieved feelings on X (formerly Twitter):

“I am completely heartbroken and devastated to hear about Zakir Bhai. Ustad Zakir Hussain was a phenomenon. He was indeed one of the most loved musicians the world saw.”

Sarangi exponent Kamal Sabri termed his death as an “irreparable loss” to the global music fraternity. Speaking to PTI, Sabri said:

“He was an amazing musician who represented Indian music on the global stage for a long time. It’s an irreparable loss.”

Classical vocalist Wasifuddin Dagar also condoled the loss, terming Hussain as the “most famous Indian musician worldwide” and a true inspiration.

Bollywood Joins in Mourning

Bollywood stars extended their condolences over the untimely death of the maestro. Akshay Kumar took to X and expressed his pain by saying, “He was indeed a treasure for our country’s musical heritage. Om Shanti.”

Kareena Kapoor Khan took to Instagram to call him a “maestro forever.” Tamil cinema icon Kamal Haasan paid a touching tribute on social media with a photo of himself with Hussain.

“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.”

Vishal Dadlani, music composer and singer, posted on Instagram, “There will never be another Ustad Zakir Hussain.”

A Global Musical Icon

Ustad Zakir Hussain was more than just a tabla maestro; he was a visionary who took Indian percussion to an art form recognized worldwide. With an innovative approach, Hussain blended Indian classical music with contemporary genres, earning accolades and fans worldwide.

Musician Karsh Kale, who is known for his experimental tabla within electronic music, paid a moving tribute to his guru on social media. He posted a black square with Hussain’s instrumental music piece titled “Zakir,” writing: “No words.”

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta tweeted: “A cultural icon

The maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain, left for his creator 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.”

A Maestro Beyond Gharanas

Zakir Hussain’s was not a craft limited to gharana boundaries, says Indian classical maestro, of US-based vocalist Anuradha Palakurthi

“There are so many gharanas in Hindustani Classical music, but I feel Zakir Hussain sahab was one man who transcended gharanas. He wasn’t of one gharana but of every gharana.”

Hussain’s ability to connect with audiences, regardless of their cultural background, made him a universal figure in music. From performing with Indian legends to collaborating with international artists like John McLaughlin and the Beatles’ George Harrison, Hussain’s versatility and brilliance knew no bounds.

Unconfirmed Reports and the Impact

Even as tributes kept pouring in, the internet saw a spate of premature reports about Hussain’s death late Sunday night. Several celebrities, including Amitabh Bachchan, Ranveer Singh, Nimrat Kaur, Riteish Deshmukh, and Anupam Kher, posted tributes before the news was officially confirmed by his family.

Despite the initial confusion, the profound sadness expressed by fans and public figures highlights the immense void left by Hussain’s passing.

A Legacy that Lives On

A tremendous loss to the world of music was Ustad Zakir Hussain, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists. His contribution to Indian classical music, collaborations across genres, and the role he played in popularizing the tabla as a known instrument globally will be in the history books.

Maestros, who could fuse the best of tradition with a tinge of modernity, were rare. But as Bollywood and the music fraternity worldwide mourn his death, one could still hold their breath, feeling the timelessness of the art in which the great maestro Zakir Hussain dabbled with sheer ease.

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