Page 38 - The Indian EYE 122724

ENTERTAINMENT EYE DECEMBER 27, 2024 | The Indian Eye 38

Top musicians, classical artists, composers

mourn passing away of Ustad Zakir Hussain

Hussain’s musical career spanned both traditional and contemporary genres, and his

innovative performances and soulful compositions earned him admiration worldwide

OUR BUREAU
Mumbai

stad Zakir Hussain died at the age of 73
in a San Francisco hospital on Monday.
UThe death of legendary tabla maestro has
shocked the entire country. People from all walks of
life are mourning his loss and offering condolences
to his family.
Ustad Zakir Hussain, born on March 9, 1951, in
Mumbai, was the son of the legendary tabla player
Ustad Alla Rakha. From a young age, Zakir showed
prodigious talent, inheriting the rhythmic genius of
his father. His skill and devotion to the tabla were un-
paralleled, and he quickly rose to international fame.
Hussain’s musical career spanned both tradi-
tional and contemporary genres, and his innovative
performances and soulful compositions earned him
admiration worldwide.
Ustad Hussain’s family, in a statement, said he
died of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Renowned flautist Pandit Hariprasad Chaur-
asia paid his heartfelt condolences over the demise
of Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain. Pt Harip-
rasad Chaurasia said he is extremely saddened. “Za-
kir was my long-time collaborator. We did several
shows together not only in India but also abroad.
From America to Australia, we travelled together to
so many countries and did shows there.”
Earlier, A R Rahman took to his X account and
shared how much Ustad Zakir Hussain meant to the
world of music. He described the loss as immeasurable Ustad Zakir Hussain (ANI)
and spoke about how Zakir Hussain inspired millions
of people. “ Zakir Bhai was an inspiration, a towering
personality who elevated the tabla to global acclaim. Remembering him, Palak said, “Ustad Zakir sound the same again.”
His loss is immeasurable for all of us,” read his X post. Hussain created a legacy that will inspire many gen- Singer Nitin Mukesh also offered his condolenc-
Sharing that they had planned to work on an al- erations to come. He’s a rare gem. There will be no es to Zakir Hussain’s family, calling him a unique in-
bum together, further wrote, “I regret not being able one like him. We all should learn something from his dividual and artist. The singer said, “This world will
to collaborate with him as much as we did decades huge body of work. I feel honoured that I got a few never be able to forget Zakir bhai. He was a unique
ago, though we had planned an album together. You chances to meet him. My first meeting was with him human and artiste. I don’t think there will ever be any-
shall be truly missed. May his family and his count- when I was a kid, and since then he has had a huge one as great as him. I pray for his soul to rest in peace.”
less students worldwide find the strength to bear this impact on me. He even blessed me. I have immense Flute maestro Pt. Ronu Majumdar, who collab-
immense loss.” respect for him, especially for his craft. Because of orated with Zakir Hussain on numerous albums and
Veteran singer Udit Narayan also paid his re- him, Indian classical music received so much respect shared the stage with him at various concerts, also
spect to the late legend, saying he will be missed. and recognition on the global platform.” paid tribute to the legendary artist.
“Ustad Zakir Hussain Hindustan ki shaan hai (He’s Renowned musician Shankar Mahadevan, who In a video shared by his PR team, Pt. Majum-
a real pride of India). No one can replace him... Puri considered Hussain a mentor, expressed his sorrow dar offered his condolences and reflected on his
duniya unki fan hai (the whole world is a fan of Zakir in a statement provided by his team, saying, “Today memories with the tabla virtuoso. “Today is a very
Hussain) ...I still can’t believe that he is not alive. He is an extremely sad day. I have lost my mentor, my sad day for the music world, as Zakir Hussain is no
will always be missed. I can’t forget him ever,” said guru, my guiding light, someone who has played longer with us. Our Zakir bhai, whom everyone con-
Udit Narayan. such an important part in my music -- Ustad Za- sidered their own, was an artist beyond imagination.
Singer Palak Muchhal expressed her gratitude kir Hussain. I have been fortunate enough to be a He brought people together and made everyone feel
to late tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain for inspir- small part of his magnanimous musical journey. He included. I have many cherished memories with his
ing her and millions of others with his contribution was not just a great artist; he was the greatest artist family. My condolences to all of them. I will miss you
to Indian classical music. that our country has produced. The tabla will never always,” he said.

www.TheIndianEYE.com