World renowned Tabla player Zakir Hussain, 73, breathed his last on January 15 at a hospital in San Francisco. He was battling Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic disease that causes the lungs to become scarred, making it hard to breathe, as reported by The Hindu. The news of his passing was confirmed by his family members on Monday.
The news of his death was met by shocking reactions from people across industries. Actors, directors, musicians, industrialists and ministers took to their social media handle to share condolence messages and memories they shared with the legend.
Celebrities from the film industry React!
Amitabh Bachchan, on his X handle, wrote, “T 5224 – .. a very sad day ..😥.”
“Very pained to know about the sad demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain Saab. He was truly a treasure for our country’s musical heritage. Om Shanti,” wrote actor Akshay Kumar alongside a photo of Ustad.
Very pained to know about the sad demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain Saab. He was truly a treasure for our country’s musical heritage. Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/a5TWDMymfZ
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) December 16, 2024
Kamal Haasan’s tribute had a picture of them together from the good golden days. Alongside, he wrote, “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.”
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.
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) December 16, 2024
Goodbye and Thank you.#ZakirHussain pic.twitter.com/ln1cmID5LV
Nimrat Kaur shared an anecdote of enjoying a performance by Ustad Zakir Hussain and wrote, “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…🙏🏼”
Also Read: Zakir Hussain: Tabla Maestro’s Journey From First Concert At 11 To Global Recognition
Kareena Kapoor also shared a picture on Instagram handle and paid her tribute.
Ritesh Deshmukh wrote a long note on him, which read, “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.🙏🏽”
Industrialists Share Heartfelt Messages
Harsh Goenka, chairman of RPG Enterprises tweeted, “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.”
Adani Group chairman, Gautam Adani, said that the world has lost a rhythm it can never replace. “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 on X.
Anand Mahindra, Group chairman also wrote a short but powerful message. “The rhythm of India paused today. In tribute,” it read.
Ministers Share Condolences
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari wrote on X that Zakir Hussain’s death was an irreparable loss to the country. Taking to X, Gadkari shared, “The news of the demise of renowned tabla player Padma Vibhushan Ustad Zakir Hussain is extremely sad. My heartfelt tribute to him. The demise of Zakir Hussain is an irreparable loss to the country’s art and music sector. His contribution in the field of art is unprecedented. His dedication towards his art and his contribution will always be remembered. May God grant peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family and fans. Om Shanti!”
Congress chief Malliakrjun Kharge called Ustad a cultural ambassador who bridged borders and generations with his mesmerising rhythms. Khagre added, “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.”
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also offered condolences to Hussain’s family and shared, “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!”
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav paid his heartfelt tribute. “The demise of India’s renowned tabla player, Padma Vibhushan Ustad Zakir Khan ji is an irreparable loss. Condolences to the bereaved family,” Yadav wrote in his X post.
Shashi Tharoor shared, “Immeasurably saddened by the passing of Ustad Zakir Hussain today. We only met briefly once, but I have always admired his talent, his music performances, and even his screen presence in the 1989 film, “Heat and Dust”. And we shared an intimate personal connection – our birthdays. I was born the day he turned five. Om Shanti.”
