Zakir Hussain Passes Away At 73: Ranveer Singh, Anup Jalota Lead Tributes To The Tabla Maestro – News18

Last Updated:December 15, 2024, 23:15 IST

Renowned tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away at 73 on December 15, following heart-related complications.

Renowned tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away at the age of 73 on Sunday, December 15. The legendary musician had been undergoing treatment for heart-related complications in the ICU of a San Francisco hospital for the past two weeks. News of his demise has left the music world and his admirers in deep mourning, with condolences pouring in from across the globe.

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh also paid tribute by sharing a photo of the maestro on Instagram, accompanied by a heart, evil eye, and folded hands emoji.

Anup Jalota expressed, “Can’t wrap my head around the news. I’m in pain. Sending love and strength to all his admirers during this difficult time. May we find comfort in his legacy and the joy he brought to our lives. 🙏💔#zakirhussain #RIP.”

Shankar Mahadevan’s son, Shivam Mahadevan, paid a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Ustad Zakir Hussain by sharing a series of cherished photos with the late maestro. Alongside the pictures, Shivam penned an emotional eulogy, expressing his disbelief and sorrow at the loss of the musical icon.

He wrote: “In disbelief. You are music. To have just been around you, grown up to your music and learnings, I just feel blessed to have been born in an era of the greatest musician ever. I am shattered. That sound. Thank you for giving us your music. Thank you for always blessing me and for always giving our family so much love! Thank you for everything you have done for Dad! Your contribution to the world of music is beyond recognition! Will miss you so much Zakir Uncle. Rest in peace! Won’t ever be able to digest this. #UstaadZakirHussain. I will hold these pictures as the most precious memories of my life.”

Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore shared on X (formerly Twitter): “Ustad Zakir Hussain’s extraordinary mastery of the tabla has created a timeless legacy in the world of music. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the countless admirers whose lives he touched with his artistry. His rhythms will echo in our hearts forever. #ZakirHussain #Legend #Condolences.”

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed his sorrow, tweeting:

“मशहूर तबला वादक श्री ज़ाकिर हुसैन साहब के निधन का समाचार अत्यंत दुखद है। देश-विदेश में तबले के पर्याय श्री ज़ाकिर हुसैन जी भारत के शास्त्रीय संगीत के प्रतीक थे। ईश्वर दिवगंत आत्मा को शांति प्रदान करें तथा उनके परिवार एवं प्रशंसकों को इस मुश्किल घड़ी में संबल प्रदान करें।”

Hussain’s manager, Nirmala Bachani, confirmed, “He has been admitted to a hospital in San Francisco for a heart-related problem for the last two weeks.”

The Legacy of Zakir Hussain

Ustad Zakir Hussain is celebrated globally for his unmatched tabla mastery and pioneering contributions to Indian classical and world music. Born in 1951 to Ustad Allah Rakha, Zakir was a child prodigy who began performing at just seven years old. Over his illustrious career, he elevated the tabla to new heights, earning acclaim for his technical brilliance and emotive artistry.

As a solo artist, he redefined tabla playing while collaborating with legends like Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, George Harrison, John McLaughlin, and Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead. In 1970, he co-founded the fusion group Shakti with McLaughlin, blending Indian classical and jazz influences. Projects like Remember Shakti and Planet Drum remain iconic examples of his innovative spirit.

A prolific composer, Zakir Hussain lent his genius to films such as Heat and Dust and In Custody, as well as international ballet and orchestral productions. His dedication to spreading Indian music globally earned him prestigious accolades, including the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album.