Global community pays tribute to Ustad Zakir Hussain, remembers his humility and mastery

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

The demise of tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain has left a void in the global music scene. One of the world’s most transcendent musicians, Hussain passed away from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in San Francisco at the age of 73.

His demise was condoled across the globe.

Ambika Sahay, executive director at South Asian Literature and Art Festival, told indica, “Really sad – he was a true classic artist who had contemporary vision and collaborations with his music! He connected with a 10-year-old (when I first heard him) to older audiences. His music varied from classical to fusion.”

Vish Arunachalam, founder chairman & director, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, San Francisco chapter, told indica, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Ustad Zakir Hussain, an extraordinary ambassador of Indian classical music. His contributions to music and culture transcended borders, inspiring millions around the globe.

Vish Arunachalam (2nd from right) with Zakir Hussain (left).

“I had the honor of meeting him briefly at India House in San Francisco in 2023, and his warmth, humility, and passion for his art left a lasting impression on me. His music had a unique ability to connect hearts and create harmony across cultures.

“Zakir Hussain’s legacy will live on through the timeless rhythms he created and the countless lives he touched. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten,” Arunachalam added.

Entrepreneur Vinita Gupta told indica, “I met him the first time, arranging fund raiser for Maitri. He was more than happy to oblige. (He) Did not even ask for money. (He) Seemed an honest human being, (who is) deep into his art.”

Venture Capitalist Venktesh Shukla told indica, “Met him at private dinners a few times. Charismatic and yet very humble! Great story teller. His stories of how some of the audiences reacted in his concerts were funny. And how people confused him with movie stars at airports etc.”

Venktesh Shukla (right), and his wife Abha (left) with Zakir Hussain.

American drummer Nate Smith thanked Hussain for “all of the music you gave us”.

Grammy winner musician Ricky Kej remembered Hussain for his “immense humility, approachable nature”.

“One of the greatest musicians and personalities India has ever produced. Along with being the best himself, Zakirji was known for…being responsible for the careers of numerous musicians, who are now forces to reckon with themselves. He was a treasure trove of skill and knowledge and always shared and encouraged the entire music community through collaborations and his actions. His legacy will live on forever, and his influence will be felt for generations. He left us too soon,” Kej wrote on X.

Renowned Indian actor Kamal Haasan tweeted: “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. #ZakirHussain”

Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh tweeted: “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.🙏🏽”

Global cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar paid his respects. “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. Your music knew no boundaries, and your loss is deeply felt by music lovers worldwide.”

California based SFJAZZ stated: “The SFJAZZ family is heartbroken to hear that musical visionary and tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain passed away in San Francisco today at the age of 73.”

“We honored Zakir with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the SFJAZZ Gala in January 2017, and his final SFJAZZ performances were in September 2023 with Shakti at Davies Symphony Hall to celebrate their 50th anniversary and in November 2023 with Béla Fleck and Edgar Meyer.

“When asked in 2016 about his reputation for building bridges between cultures, his response resonates more greatly today than ever: ‘The bridges have been created in our minds, and we think we have to cross them. These so-called bridges become the reason or excuse for not being able to interact with people in another genre of music or in another country or in some other so-called way of life. But, come on! All you have to do is sit down and talk, sit down and play music together.’

“Thank you for everything, Zakir-ji! You will never be forgotten!” SFJAZZ said.

He is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola; his daughters, Anisa Qureshi (her husband, Taylor Phillips, and their daughter, Zara) and Isabella Qureshi; his brothers, Taufiq Qureshi and Fazal Qureshi; and his sister, Khurshid Aulia. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come.

The son of legendary tabla master Ustad Allarakha (Ravi Shankar’s longtime accompanist), Hussain was widely regarded as the greatest tabla player of his generation. A child prodigy, he collaborated with virtually all of India’s iconic performers, including Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan and Shivkumar Sharma.

His groundbreaking work with Western musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma, Charles Lloyd, Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Mickey Hart, George Harrison and John McLaughlin brought Indian classical music to an international audience, cementing his status as a global cultural ambassador. Moreover, his work raised his instrument to virtuoso status.

(Top image photo courtesy: www.instagram.com/zakirhq9)

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