Music, film fraternity remembers ‘ustadji’, ‘most famous Indian musician’ Zakir Hussain

New Delhi, Dec 16 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sarod virtuoso Amjad Ali Khan, A R Rahman and other personalities from different walks of life paid rich tributes to Zakir Hussain, remembering the tabla maestro as a “true genius”, “a phenomenon” and the man who popularised Indian music globally.

Hussain, 73, died at a San Francisco hospital from complications arising out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the family said on Monday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he is “deeply saddened” by Hussain’s passing.

“He will be remembered as a true genius who revolutionised the world of Indian classical music. He also brought the tabla to the global stage, captivating millions with his unparalleled rhythm. Through this, he seamlessly blended Indian classical traditions with global music, thus becoming an icon of cultural unity.

“His iconic performances and soulful compositions will contribute to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers alike. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the global music community,” the PM wrote on X.

“Words fail me at this point,” said Amjad Ali Khan in an X post.

“I am completely heartbroken and devastated to hear about Zakir Bhai. Ustad Zakir Hussain was a phenomenon. He was indeed one of the most loved musicians the world saw,” he added.

Hussain was “an inspiration and a towering personality” who elevated tabla to global acclaim, said music maestro AR Rahman.

“His loss is immeasurable for all of us. I regret not being able to collaborate with him as much as we did decades ago, though we had planned an album together. You shall be truly missed. May his family and his countless students worldwide find the strength to bear this immense loss,” Rahman wrote on X.

Sarangi exponent Kamal Sabri called Hussain’s death a “great loss” to all forms of music, be it Indian classical or global.

“He was an amazing musician who represented Indian music on the global stage for a long time,” he told PTI.

Celebrity fashion designer Manish Malhotra said he had the “privilege and honour” to dress Hussain for the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in February, where the tabla player became the first musician from India to receive three honours.

“I will cherish those memories for life.. love and respect,” Malhotra wrote on Instagram.

Besides being regarded as the greatest tabla player of his generation, Hussain also starred in films such as Merchant Ivory production “Heat and Dust”, “The Perfect Murder” and “Saaz”, opposite Shabana Azmi.

Veteran screenwriter-lyricist Javed Akhtar, who penned the lyrics of the 1997 film “Saaz”, said world music missed a beat forever the day Hussain died.

“A great musician a great man a great friend Zakir saheb has left us . We tend to use this word rather casually and carelessly but here is some one who in its real meaning can be called a musical GENIUS,” Akhtar posted on X.

Classical vocalist Wasifuddin Dagar remembered the tabla virtuoso as a source of inspiration.

“It’s an irreparable loss… He was the most famous Indian musician world over,” Dagar told PTI.

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar said he is “pained” to know about the multiple award-winning percussionist’s death.

“He was truly a treasure for our country’s musical heritage. Om Shanti,” he wrote on X.

“Maestro forever,” Kareena Kapoor Khan said on Instagram.

Kamal Haasan shared a picture of himself with Hussain playing the tabla on social media.

“Zakir Bhai! He left too soon. Yet we are grateful for the times he gave us and what he left behind in the form of his art. Goodbye and Thank you,” the veteran Tamil actor posted on X.

There will never be another Ustad Zakir Hussain, said music composer Vishal Dadlani on Instagram.

Singer Shreya Ghoshal credited Hussain for transforming the tabla to “a language of emotions, soul and beauty”.

“His kind smile, endearing personality and his effortless genius is what I remember him from my first meeting when he came to judge me in a singing contest. In the many fortunate instances where I got to meet him I only have been in awe of him, and him, always so encouraging to young artists like me.

“An inspiration to countless artists, his impact on Indian and global music is immeasurable. As we bid farewell, his beats remain immortal, guiding generations to come. Rest in rhythm, Ustad,” Ghoshal wrote on Instagram.

Musician Karsh Kale, known primarily for his experimental tabla playing within electronic music contexts, shared an image of a black square on social media set to the instrumental music piece called ‘Zakir’ by Hussain. The caption read: “No words.”

“You made India richer. Thank you for your contribution,” wrote BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut on her Instagram Stories alongside an old video of Hussain.

According to US-based vocalist Anuradha Palakurthi, Hussain was beyond any gharana, or a musical lineage in Indian classical music.

“There are so many gharanas in Hindustani Classical music but I think Zakir Hussain sahab was one man who transcends gharana. He was not of one gharana but of every gharana,” Palakurthi told PTI.

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta also condoled the illustrious musician’s passing.

“The maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away a few hours ago. Goodbye Ustadji. The man who made the tabla sexy, who brought an accompanying instrument to the forefront is gone. Deepest condolences to his family, fans and students around the globe,” Mehta said on X.

“A monumental loss to India and the world of music with the passing away of Padma Vibhushan #ZakirHussain, one of the greatest musicians ever. His contribution to music transcended borders. His legacy will forever resonate through the beats of his tabla. Rest in peace, maestro,” added Bollywood star Sunny Deol said.

Cricket great Sachin Tendulkar said Hussain’s music knew no boundaries and his loss is deeply felt by music lovers worldwide.

“The curtains have fallen, but the beats will continue to echo in our hearts forever. If his hands delivered the rhythms, his smiling face and humble persona conveyed a melody – always respectful to everyone around him, putting them at ease. Rest in peace, Ustad Zakir Hussain ji. We were fortunate to witness your magic,” Tendulkar wrote.

On Sunday evening, unconfirmed reports of Hussain’s death started doing rounds on social media with many celebrities, including Amitabh Bachchan, Ranveer Singh, Nimrat Kaur, Riteish Deshmukh, and Anupam Kher falling prey to speculation.