New Delhi, December 16 (UITV)- India’s famous tabla player Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away at the age of 73, which is deeply mourned by the Indian music world and his fans. Ustad Zakir Hussain breathed his last in San Francisco on December 16. His death is an irreparable loss for the world of Indian classical music, because through his unique art, he gave a new identity to Indian music all over the world. His contribution was not limited to India only, but he was also famous on the international stage. His art crossed the boundaries of music and gave recognition to Indian music at the global level.
Indian leaders and personalities expressed deep condolences on the death of tabla player Zakir Hussain. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh wrote in his condolence message on the social media platform X, “I am deeply saddened by the demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain, who left an indelible mark in the world of classical music. Zakir Hussain, who made playing the tabla his way of life, gave prestige to Indian music all over the world with the sound and sound of his art. His demise is an irreparable loss for the world of art and music. My condolences are with his family and fans in this hour of grief.”
On the social media platform X, famous poet and Congress Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi also expressed condolences and wrote, “Goodbye Ustad, no Zakir Hussain becomes an Ustad for the whole world just like that. When your fingers used to beat the tabla, it seemed that the tabla itself was playing in ecstasy. Your breath may have stopped, but the beats of your tabla will keep echoing in this world for eternity.”
On the social media platform X, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary also posted a condolence message, in which he wrote, “With the demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain, there is a void not only in India but in the world of music, which can never be filled. He had given a new height to music as a renowned tabla player. My only prayer to God is that he gives him a place in his lotus feet and gives strength to his family and fans to bear this sorrow.”
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Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren also condoled the death of the Ustad and wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of world-renowned tabla player, Padma Vibhushan Ustad Zakir Hussain. May Marang Buru grant peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family and fans to bear this sorrow. Last Johar.”
Former Haryana Chief Minister and senior Congress Party leader Bhupendra Singh Hooda also expressed deep condolences on the death of the Ustad. He wrote, “The news of the death of famous tabla player and Padma Vibhushan awardee Ustad Zakir Hussain is very sad. Heartfelt tribute to the departed soul and deep condolences to the family members.”
Bhim Army chief and Nagina Lok Sabha MP Chandrashekhar Azad also wrote a condolence message on the social media platform X, “The demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain, a great tabla player and a unique gem of Indian music, awarded with Padma Vibhushan, is extremely sad. I offer my humble tribute. His loss is irreplaceable for the world of music and art. I express my deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans in this difficult time.”
Rashtriya Lok Dal also expressed condolences on the social media platform X and wrote, “The demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain, a unique practitioner of Indian music, world-renowned tabla player and awarded with Padma Vibhushan, is extremely sad. His demise has caused an irreparable loss to Indian classical music, which is impossible to compensate. May God give him a place in his lotus feet and provide strength to his family and well-wishers.”
Ustad Zakir Hussain did many important collaborations with Indian and international musicians in his career spanning six decades. In 1973, he worked on a musical project with renowned English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar and percussionist TH ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram, which presented a unique fusion of Indian classical music and jazz. This project combined Indian music with Western music and created a new trend.
Zakir Hussain also worked with world-renowned musicians like Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, Shivkumar Sharma, Yo-Yo Ma, Charles Lloyd, Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Mickey Hart and George Harrison in his career. His unprecedented work popularized Indian classical music on the international stage and earned Indian music respect globally.
Ustad Zakir Hussain’s contribution to the field of Indian music will remain invaluable and his musical journey gave Indian classical music an important place not only in India but all over the world. The echo of his tunes will always remain alive in the hearts of music lovers.
