Quotes
He also brought the tabla to the global stage, captivating millions with his unparalleled rhythm,
Modi wrote in a post on social platform X Traditionally, when a baby is born, the father whispers prayers into the baby’s ear. My father, instead, recited tabla rhythms. He said, ‘These are my prayers. This is the knowledge I worship, and I want to pass it on to my son.’
That was the first time in my life I entered a studio and saw how mics were set up around the tabla, how the music gets recorded. It’s one of my fondest memories with him,
I am still processing the news about his death. I am still in shock, and I cannot believe that he is gone, really,
Kalyanpur began, his voice heavy with emotion Unlike other classical musicians, he was a very progressive musician who loved listening to western and pop music. He had a great sense of humour,
Certain people are sent from above; we refer to them as icons. Like Sachin is for cricket, Amitabh is for Bollywood, Zakir Hussain was for Indian classical music, and in particular, tabla. Only he could have pulled off blending tabla and Indian classical music to popular and mainstream sensibilities and make it so widely loved. He was sent to this planet by the Almighty above.”
Reflecting on the maestro’s influence, Kalyanpur said Certain experiences in life are unforgettable,
Off stage, I learnt how to be a better human being,
I played with him and his father [Ustad Allah Rakha] on one stage in Mumbai. Ek baar main aur Allah Rakha baja rahe the toh unhone Zakir se tanpura bhi bajwaya in California. I am lucky I was associated with such a family. Not just in India, we have played together a lot in Japan, Europe and Canada,
I want to find out ki kaise hua. America has such wonderful doctors and they couldn’t save him? Ab jab tak unki wife se baat nahi hogi, mujhe santosh nahi hoga. But it is not right to connect with her [right now], baad mein karunga,
But my father was there, he married us off in a Muslim ceremony. But the civil ceremony, which was the first one, no one knew. We just went and did it.” ... She loves Toni and thinks the world of her,
He further explained ... Over time, his mother came to embrace Antonia, eventually recognizing the importance of the person rather than the tradition ... Zakir 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,
He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come,
My heartfelt condolences to everyone who, like me, mourns his loss and will always celebrate him and his art. Ustad Zakir Hussain will live on forever through his unparalleled music and memory of that infectious laugh that lit up our world.”
Shocked and deeply saddened. An irreplaceable loss. The news feels unreal. It always will. Zakirbhai, you will be missed and how. You went too soon.”
Actor and filmmaker Nandita Das wrote on Instagram Forever in our hearts, Wah Ustaad Wah! We pay our tributes to Ustad Zakir Hussain, a true maestro who touched millions of hearts worldwide with this special video we created with him to celebrate 75 years of the US-India relationship.”
The US embassy in India wrote on X I have been looking through photos from 2017-18, and memories of working with him on the background score of Manto came alive. One phone call and he said yes to the film. We worked in LA, on Zoom, in Mumbai. We argued, we laughed, we talked. I had the privilege of watching, observing and learning from him. I had some unfinished conversations that I was hoping to continue with him someday.”
Zakir Hussain, one of the world’s most transcendent musicians, passed away from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in San Francisco at the age of 73,
the family said in a statement 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,
He passed away very peacefully after the ventilation machine was switched off. This was 4pm San Francisco time,
