RIP Zakir Hussain | 'A loss to entire music world': Political leaders, artists condole Ustad's demise

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Follow this blog for round-the-clock updates on the sad demise of Zakir Hussain.

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

From the archive

(From L to R) John Anthony, A R 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

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

World of music will be lesser without Zakir Hussain: Priyanka Chaturvedi

When baby Zakir Hussain had rhythms for prayers from dad

Eight years ago, tabla maestro Zakir Hussain had narrated how his father Alla Rakha had welcomed him into this world by putting the musical instrument’s rhythms into his ears when asked to recite prayers. Mumbai-born Zakir Hussain passed away at a hospital in San Francisco due to complications arising out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, his family said on Monday. Zakir Hussain spoke of his father holding him in his arms for the first time. Alla Rakha was an accomplished tabla player and a frequent accompanist of iconic sitar player Pandit Ravi Shankar. “I was brought home and handed over to my dad in his arms. The tradition was that the father is supposed to recite a prayer in the baby's ear, welcoming the baby and putting some good words.

Maharashtra Governor, Sharad Pawar condole tabla maestro’s demise

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. 

My deepest condolences to his family, fans and loved ones. Om Shanti: Scindia

Milind Deora 'heartbroken' over Zakir Hussain's demise

"I was fortunate to know him personally — his innovation, artistry, humility & genius were unparalleled. He will be deeply missed," he wrote on X.

My tribute to an irreplaceable legend. The world of music will be lesser without Tabla Maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and his fans all around the world: Priyanka Chaturvedi

Anand Mahindra pays tribute to Zakir Hussain

Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej remembered Hussain for his "immense humility, approachable nature".

"One of the greatest musicians and personalities India has ever produced. Along with being the best himself, Zakir ji was known for… being responsible for the careers of numerous musicians, who are now forces to reckon with themselves," Kej said in a post on X.

"He was a treasure trove of skill and knowledge and always shared and encouraged the entire music community through collaborations and his actions. His legacy will live on forever, and his influence will be felt for generations. He left us too soon," he added.

American drummer Nate Smith thanked Hussain for "all of the music you gave us".

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called the percussionist "a beacon of India's rich musical heritage and a true custodian of classical traditions".

"Ustad Zakir Hussain was instrumental in popularising Indian music across the globe, serving as a beacon of India's rich musical heritage. A true custodian of classical traditions, his contributions to the arts remain unparalleled. His passing is a monumental loss to culture and humanity. Heartfelt condolences to his loved ones," Vijayan said.

Expressing his condolences to Hussain's family, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called him a "cultural ambassador who bridged borders and generations with his mesmerising rhythms".

"The Padma Vibhushan tabla maestro and percussionist, gloriously took forward the legacy of his father with exceptional performances and collaborations. His numerous national and international honours are a testament to this," Kharge said.

A doyen of music, a stalwart of creativity whose works endeared him to people across generations: Himanta Biswa Sarma consoles Zakir Hussain's demise

Zaki Hussain's family member shares memories on social media

A bright torch of Indian culture has been extinguished today: Pawan Khera

Deeply saddened at the passing away of tabla maestro Zakir Hussain. A musical genius and a cultural icon, he popularised Indian classical music at the global stage and leaves behind an impressive legacy: S Jaishankar

US Embassy to India pays tribute to late table maestro Zakir Hussain

May the way he did 'tapasya' be followed by young artists in the field, Pralhad Joshi mourns tabla maestro's demise

An icon of cultural unity: Narendra Modi

Huge loss for the country and his millions of admirers across the planet: Mamata Banerjee

"Deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely death of Ustad Zakir Hussain, the renowned maestro and one of the greatest tabla players of all times. This is a huge loss for the country and his millions of admirers across the planet. I convey my sincere condolences to the family, fraternity and followers of the great artist."

Zakir Hussain, true legend whose rhythms transcended borders, united hearts: Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday paid tribute to iconic tabla player Zakir Hussain, calling him a "true legend", whose rhythms transcended borders and united hearts.

Expressing grief over his death, the CM recalled his contribution to Indian classical music and global art.

"Deeply saddened by the passing of Tabla Maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, a true legend whose rhythms transcended borders and united hearts. His contribution to Indian classical music and global art is unparalleled. May his soul rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers," Siddaramaiah posted on 'X'.

Satya Nadella, Gautam Adani mourn Zakir Hussain's death

Microsoft chairman and CEO Satya Nadella and billionaire Gautam Adani led India Inc in mourning the death of Zakir Hussain, considered one of the greatest players of the tabla.

Hussain, 73, known for his 'dancing fingers', died in a San Francisco hospital from complications of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis - a chronic lung disease.

"A true legend, Ustad Zakir Hussain, who brought immense joy through his rhythmic brilliance. Your music transcends boundaries and will live on forever," Nadella said in a post on LinkedIn.

Gautam Adani, founder chairman of ports-to-energy Adani Group, took to X, formerly Twitter, to condole his death.

"The world has lost a rhythm it can never replace. Ustad Zakir Hussain, our maestro whose tabla beats will forever echo in the soul of India, leaves behind his inimitable form of timeless art. His legacy is an eternal taal, resonating through generations to come. RIP," he wrote.

In Pics | Tabla maestro and his 'jugalbandi'

Generations will never be able to recover from his debt. He will continue to be a guide for the tabla players to come: Priyanka Gandhi

Arunachal CM Khandu mourns demise of Zakir Hussain

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday mourned the demise of table maestro Zakir Hussain.

"Deeply mourn the loss of Ustad Zakir Hussain, a true maestro whose tabla beats wove magic that resonated across the world," Khandu said in a post on X.

Hussain died in a San Francisco hospital in the US from complications arising out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the family said in a statement. He was 73.

He had been in hospital for the past two weeks and was shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after his condition deteriorated.

Assam guv, CM lead state in condoling death of Zakir Hussain

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday condoled the demise of tabla icon Zakir Hussain, describing it is an irreparable loss to the music world.

"The sound of the tabla became silent. The passing away of Ustad Zakir Hussain, decorated with Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, is an irreparable loss to the music world. May God give peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti," Acharya said in a post in Hindi on X.

Sarma said the death of Ustad Zakir Hussain has made the world of culture poorer.

Zakir Hussain's legacy will continue to echo in people's hearts: Nadda

BJP president J P Nadda Monday condoled the demise of tabla maestro Zakir Hussain and said his legacy will continue to echo in people's hearts through his "timeless music".

Hussain died at a hospital in San Francisco, US, due to complications arising out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, according to his family. He was 73.

In a post on X, Nadda said, "Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of the legendary tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain Ji".

Last Mohican in world of classical music: Musicians condole death of Zakir Hussain

Leading musicians of West Bengal on Monday mourned the death of tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, describing him as a humble artist despite being the last of the Mohicans in the world of classical music. Read more

'The beats will continue to echo in our hearts forever': Sachin Tendulkar

'Great loss to the world of music': President Murmu

"The demise of tabla wizard Ustad Zakir Hussain is a great loss to the world of music. He was known for his extraordinary creativity and inventiveness. He mesmerised generations of music lovers across the world. He was a bridge between the musical traditions of India and the West. I had the privilege of conferring the Padma Vibhushan upon him. I convey my deepest condolences to members of his family and his countless admirers."

Nation lost towering musical genius: Manoj Sinha on Zakir Hussain's passing

"Deeply grieved to learn about the sad demise of legendary tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain ji. In his passing, the nation and the music world has lost a towering musical genius and the most famous and accomplished exponent of contemporary world music," Sinha said.

Irreparable loss to music world: UP CM Adityanath

"The demise of world renowned tabla player Padma Vibhushan Ustad Zakir Hussain ji is extremely sad and an irreparable loss to the music world. I pray to God to grant salvation to the departed soul and give strength to his bereaved family and grief-stricken fans to bear this immense loss. Om Shanti," Adityanath said.

Tabla will never sound like this ever again: Shankar Mahadevan

"I have lost somebody who's been my biggest inspiration, a teacher and a human being who has influenced my music. He played a huge role in my musical career. He was the greatest in the world.

"I've never seen a rhythm artist with so much musicality and there will never be one more like this. Either there will be knowledge or expertise... It is impossible for an artist to be born of this calibre or to have knowledge, expertise and stage presence. Tabla is never going to sound like this ever again," Mahadevan told PTI in an interview.

'A loss to entire music world': RSS condoles Zakir Hussain's demise

“The sad demise of India's music sage and Padma Vibhushan Shri Zakir Hussain has not only caused a loss to the Indian music world but the entire world has lost a great music personality today,” RSS' all India publicity and communications department head Sunil Ambekar said in a post on X in Hindi.

“This great son of Maa Saraswati had unwavering faith in Indian culture. He has established tabla in a unique and attractive form all over the world,” he said.

“May his divine soul attain salvation, this is my prayer to God,” Ambekar added.

We say tabla starts with 'A' for Alla Rakha and ends at 'Z' for Zakir Hussain: Rakesh Chaurasia

"We generally say that tabla starts from 'A' for Alla Rakha and ends at 'Z' for Zakir Hussain. I think everybody in the music fraternity calls him the god of tabla.

"A blessing from him was more than enough and he used to bless everybody from his heart. He gave a platform to young generation musicians like us to reach the top," Rakesh Chaurasia told PTI in an interview.