Condolences poured in from different sections of society after the sad demise of Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain in the U.S.A. on Sunday (December 15, 2024). Leading industrialists, politicians, artists, and sportspersons took to social media platform X to convey their tributes. “The rhythm of India paused today…In tribute, posted Anand Mahindra.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi posted, “The news of the demise of the great tabla player Ustad Zakir Hussain ji is extremely sad. His demise is a great loss for the music world. My condolences are with his family and fans in this hour of grief. Ustad Zakir Hussain ji has left behind such a legacy of his art, which will always remain alive in our memories.”
Also Read: Zakir Hussain death LIVE updates: Tributes pour in for the tabla maestro
Harsh Goenka said, “The world falls silent as the tabla loses its maestro. Ustad Zakir Hussain, a rhythmic genius who brought the soul of India to global stages, has left us. I was privileged to know him because of his connection with HMV and hear him perform at our home. His beats will echo eternally.”
Gautam Adani also tweeted saying, “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.”
Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore, Rajasthan Cabinet Minister said, “Ustad Zakir Hussain’s extraordinary mastery of the tabla has created a timeless legacy in the world of music. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the countless admirers whose lives he touched with his artistry. His rhythms will echo in our hearts forever.”
Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha said, “We’ll always remember his iconic ‘Wah Taj’. With the passing of the legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain Sahab, the world has lost a legend. His groundbreaking contributions not only redefined the art of tabla but also bridged cultures and generations, making classical traditions feel both timeless and new. His dedication to his craft and his ability to inspire countless musicians around the globe turned his music into a universal language of connection. May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to echo through every rhythm and every heart he touched.”
Film-maker Hansal Mehta said, “The maestro that made so many sleepless nights at Hindustani classical concerts memorable. The man who knew how to engage with an audience through his artistry. The Ustad who made the tabla sexy. Goodbye Ustad Zakir Hussain.”
Actor Riteish Deshmukh took to X and said, “The irreparable loss of Zakir Hussain Sahab is a devastating blow to India and the global music community. Sir, Your music was a gift, a treasure that will continue to inspire and uplift generations to come. Your legacy will live on. May your soul rest in eternal glory, surrounded by the rhythms and melodies. Condolences to the family and loved ones of the legendary Zakir Hussain Sahab.”
Karnataka’s Chief Minister, K. Siddaramaiah said, “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.”
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said, “The bol of Zakir Hussain Ji’s tabla spoke a universal language, transcending borders, cultures and generations. This clip defines how we will remember him, and celebrate his legacy. The sound & vibrations of his rhythm will echo in our hearts forever. sadaiv gujega, wah Taj! (It will echo forever, Wah Taj!) My deepest condolences to his family, fans and loved ones. Om Shanti.”
Dr. Shama Mohamed, National Spokesperson, Congress said, “Deeply saddened to hear about the passing away of the Tabla Maestro #zakirhussain, Son of Allahrakha. My father used to play his music at our house when I was a toddler! May his soul rest in peace . Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.”
Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party president said, “The demise of India’s renowned tabla player, Padma Vibhushan Ustad Zakir Khan ji is an irreparable loss. Condolences to the bereaved family. Heartfelt tribute.”
BJD leader Naveen Patnaik said, “Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of Tabla maestro #ZakirHussain. He was one of the greatest ambassadors of Indian music who showcased the world the profound depth of Indian classical music through #Tabla. His spellbinding rhythm weaved magic which touched souls and spoke languages beyond words. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family, friends and countless followers.”
Mallikarjun Kharge, president, Congress said, “In the passing away of Tabla exponent, Ustad Zakir Hussain, India and the world has lost a musical genius, and 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. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and admirers across the world.”
Actor Nimrat Kaur said, “On Feb 28th’ 24, when I last watched Ustad Zakir Hussain live at Prithvi Theatre I recall my heart beating to the rhythm of the sheer genius of his talent. His international super stardom and the zenith of his achievements are forever here to inspire and energise us. As a human being, to remain the most humble, gracious and generous through his incomparable life journey is what remains etched as a soul goal for me. His kind eyes and mystical being shall outlive generations…rest in glory Ustad ji. Never shall there be another…”
Veteran cricketer V.V.S. Laxman said, “Really sad to learn that legend of legends, Ustad Zakir Hussain is no more. A sad day for the world of music. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.”
Assam’s CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “The passing away of Ustad Zakir Hussain Sahab leaves our world of culture poorer. Making his fingers dance on the dayan and bayan, he took Indian Tabla to the global stage and will always be synonymous with its intricate rhythms. A doyen of music, a stalwart of creativity whose works endeared him to people across generations. His passing leaves a void that will be hard to fill. My heartfelt condolences to his family, disciples and countless admirers.”
Mamata Banerjee, CM of West Bengal said, “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.”
Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, president of the YSR Congress party, said, “I am deeply saddened by the passing away of Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain. A legendary musician, he left an indelible mark on Indian classical music. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.”
Cricketer Virender Sehwag said, “Really sad to hear the passing away of Ustad Zakir Hussain, a true legend who gave rhythm to our hearts and souls. His tabla spoke a universal language. Heartfelt condolences to his family and well-wishers across the globe. Om Shanti.”
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan said, “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. #zakirhussain”
Pawan Kalyan, Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh said, “India mourns the profound loss of Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla maestro whose unparalleled artistry bridged Indian classical music and global sounds, inspiring generations worldwide. His rhythm was not just music but a heartbeat that united cultures. Your legacy will live on, Ustad Ji.”
K.C. Venugopal, Congress leader said, “I join the entire country in mourning the tragic loss of tabla maestro Zakir Hussain. His music won the hearts of billions, and we will sorely miss him for the times to come. My condolences to his family and friends in this time of immense grief.
Published – December 16, 2024 12:31 pm IST
