Paying an emotional tribute to Zakir Hussain, filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar expressed deep grief over the demise of the maestro
Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar paid a moving homage to the renowned tabla player Ustad Zakir Hussain, expressing profound sadness at the maestro’s departure.
Speaking to ANI, Bhandarkar, who had long appreciated Hussain’s musical genius, lamented the passing and described it as a very touching occasion.
“The news of Sri Ustad Zakir Hussain’s passing, sir, is extremely tragic. Everyone was able to relate to his skill. We listened to his music and tabla as children,” he remarked.
The maestro was featured in the well-known commercial “Waah Taaj,” which the director also remembered, saying, “I still remember his famous ad, ‘Waah Taaj.’ When I heard the news that he is no longer with us, it was truly heartbreaking.”
Bhandarkar’s letter emphasized the vacuum left by Hussain’s demise and emphasized how much music fans and admirers throughout the world will miss his impact.
“Music lovers and all of his fans will miss him terribly, but the world will remember him. “No one can fill this void,” he said. In closing, the director said, “He will always remain in our hearts.”
Prior to this, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his profound sadness over the tabla maestro’s loss.
Hussain was a “true genius” who revolutionized Indian classical music and introduced the tabla to a worldwide audience, according to PM Modi’s moving tweet.
PM Modi stated, “Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary tabla maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain Ji,” acknowledging that he was a real talent who transformed the Indian classical music scene. Additionally, he introduced the tabla to the world, enthralling millions with his unmatched rhythm.
Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary tabla maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain Ji. He will be remembered as a true genius who revolutionized the world of Indian classical music. He also brought the tabla to the global stage, captivating millions with his unparalleled rhythm.…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2024
In addition, the prime minister emphasized Hussain’s contribution to overcoming cultural divides, saying, “Through this, he seamlessly blended Indian classical traditions with global music, thus becoming an icon of cultural unity.”
Future generations of artists and music fans will continue to be inspired by Hussain’s legacy, PM Modi underlined.
“Generations of artists and music fans will be inspired by his legendary performances and moving compositions. “I want to express my deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and the international music community,” he said.
One of the finest percussionists of all time, Ustad Zakir Hussain died on December 15, 2024, in San Francisco, USA, at the age of 73.
Hussain, who was renowned for his extraordinary tabla skills, was a cultural ambassador who promoted Indian classical music internationally in addition to being a virtuoso.
The tabla legend passed away from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung condition, according to his family’s publicist, Jon Bleicher of Prospect PR.
Zakir Hussain was born in Mumbai on March 9, 1951, and hailed from a musical family. His father, the well-known Ustad Alla Rakha, had a penchant for tabla.
He showed remarkable skill early on and quickly found himself playing at world-renowned performances.
The sudden passing of Ustad Zakir Hussain has led to a flood of condolences from fans, artists, and celebrities worldwide.
Hussain was well-known for his innovative partnerships that combined foreign genres with Indian classical music, and his impact went far beyond the tabla community.
He gained acclaim and notoriety across the world for his performances alongside such luminaries as Mickey Hart, John McLaughlin, and Pandit Ravi Shankar.
Hussain had a key role in bringing Indian traditional rhythms to listeners throughout the globe and in redefining the tabla’s place in contemporary music.
