RIP Zakir Hussain | Tributes pour in for tabla maestro after his passing

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Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passes away at 73

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away at the age of 73-years on Sunday, multiple media reports said.

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His rhythms will echo in our hearts forever: Rajyavardhan Rathore

BJP leader Rajyavardhan Rathore extended his condolences over the sad demise of Zakir Hussain

World falls silent as the tabla loses its maestro, says Harsh Goenka

Harsh Goenka extended his condolences over the sad demise of Zakir Hussain

Sound & vibrations of his rhythm will echo in our hearts forever: Jyotiraditya Scindia

Jyotiraditya Scindia remembered the how stalwart's tabla spoke a universal language, transcending borders, cultures and generations.

Passing away of Ustad Zakir Hussain Sahab leaves our world of culture poorer: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Some glimpses of Ustad Zakir Hussain when he was honoured with the Doctor of Laws of the University of Mumbai

Rhythm of India paused today: Anand Mahindra

From the archive

(From L to R) John Anthony, AR Rahman, Zakir Hussain, Jojo and Sivamani.

Watch | When Zakir Hussain won Grammy Award at a glittering ceremony in Los Angeles this year

Maharashtra Governor, Sharad Pawar condole tabla maestro’s demise

Mumbai: Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan has expressed grief over the demise of tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain and said the country has lost one of its most beloved and cherished cultural icons. Hussain, 73, died at a hospital in San Francisco due to complications arising out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, his family said.

In his condolence message, the Governor called the musician a devoted disciple and son of the great Ustad Alla Rakha who elevated the “humble” tabla to global prominence. “His extraordinary performance made him popular among classical purists and the broader audience, captivating all with his intense yet playful and engaging performances,” said the Governor.

Hussain had become a household name in Indian classical music, Radhakrishnan said. As an accompanist, Hussain had the rare privilege of performing with three generations of musicians, leaving an indelible legacy. His loss has created an unparalleled void in the musical world, the Governor said.

“With his passing, India—especially Maharashtra—has lost one of its most beloved and cherished cultural icons. Ustad Zakir Hussain’s music will remain eternal, inspiring generations of musicians to innovate and aim for excellence. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and the countless admirers,” he added.

Condoling Hussain’s demise, former Union minister Sharad Pawar said, “The news of the demise of renowned tabla player Padma Bhushan Ustad Zakir Hussain is heartbreaking. Zakir Hussain was known as the most famous tabla player in India, was a multi-faceted personality.” “He established the tabla, an instrument of Indian music, on the world stage... A legend in the art world passed away today,” Pawar said.

-PTI