After this tragic incident, condolences poured in from various sections of the society. Tabla player Zakir Hussain passes away on Sunday (December 15, 2024) in the USA. Prominent industrialists, politicians, artists and sportspersons took to social media platform X to pay their tributes. Anand Mahindra posted, “Today India’s rhythm stopped…paying tribute.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi posted, “The news of the demise of the great tabla player Ustad Zakir Hussain ji is very sad. His demise is a big loss for the music world. My thoughts are with his family and fans in this hour of grief. Ustad Zakir Hussain ji has left behind a legacy of his art, which will always remain alive in our memories.”
Also read: Zakir Hussain’s death live updates: Tributes paid to tabla player
Harsh Goenka said, “When the tabla loses its art the world becomes silent. Ustad Zakir Hussain, the rhythmic genius who brought the soul of India to the global platforms, has left us. Because of his association with HMV, I had the privilege of knowing him and hearing him perform at my home. His heartbeats will always resonate.”
Gautam Adani also tweeted and said, “The world has lost a rhythm which can never be compensated.” Ustad Zakir Hussain, our maestro, whose tabla beats will always resonate in the soul of India, has left behind a unique form of timeless art. His legacy is an eternal rhythm, which will continue to resonate for generations to come. Tear out.”
Rajasthan Cabinet Minister Colonel Rajyavardhan Rathore 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 fans whose lives he touched with his artistry. His rhythm will always resonate in our hearts.”
Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha said, “We will always remember his iconic ‘Wah Taj’. The world has lost a legend in the demise of the great tabla player Zakir Hussain Sahab. 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 art and his ability to inspire countless musicians around the world turned his music into a universal language of connection. May his soul rest in peace and may his legacy resonate in every rhythm and every heart he touched.
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta said, “The maestro who gave many sleepless nights at Hindustani classical music concerts. The man who knew how to connect with the audience through his artistry. The master who made tabla sexy. Goodbye Ustad Zakir Hussain.”
Actor Riteish Deshmukh told X, “The irreparable loss of Zakir Hussain saab 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 rhythms and melodies. Condolences to the family and loved ones of the great Zakir Hussain Sahab.”
Karnataka Chief Minister K. Siddaramaiah said, “Deeply saddened by the demise of tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, a true legend whose rhythm transcended boundaries and united hearts. His contribution to Indian classical music and global art is unique. May his soul rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences to his family and fans.”
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said, “The Lyrics Zakir Hussain ji’s tabla spoke a universal language beyond borders, cultures and generations. This clip defines how we will remember him, and celebrate his legacy. The sound and vibration of his rhythm will always resonate in our hearts. it will last forever, wow Crown! (It will always resonate, wow Taj!) My deepest condolences to his family, fans and loved ones. Om Shanti.”
Congress national spokesperson Dr Shama Mohammed said, “Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of tabla maestro #ZakirHussain, son of Allahrakha. My dad used to play his music at our house when I was a kid! May his soul rest in peace. Inna lillahi wa inna ilahi rajiun.”
Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav said, “The demise of India’s famous tabla player, Padma Vibhushan Ustad Zakir Khan ji is an irreparable loss. Condolences to the bereaved family. A heartfelt tribute.”
BJD leader Naveen Patnaik said, “Deeply saddened to know about the demise of tabla player #ZakirHussain. He was one of the greatest ambassadors of Indian music who introduced the world to the profound depth of Indian classical music through the #Tabla. Their mesmerizing rhythms wove a magic that touched souls and spoke in languages beyond words. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family, friends and countless followers.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said, “With the demise of tabla maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain, India and the world have lost a musical genius and a cultural ambassador who connected borders and generations with his mesmerizing rhythms. The Padma Vibhushan tabla player and percussionist brilliantly carried forward his father’s legacy with exceptional performances and collaborations. His numerous national and international honors are proof of this. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans around the world.
Actress Nimrat Kaur said, “On 28th February 24, when I last saw Ustad Zakir Hussain live at Prithvi Theatre, I remember my heart beating to the sheer rhythm of his talent. His international superstardom and the pinnacle of his achievements will always be there to inspire and energize us. As a human being, it is imprinted as a soul goal for me to remain the most humble, kind and generous throughout my incomparable life journey. His kind eyes and mysterious personality will live on for generations… May your soul rest in peace, Ustad ji. There will never be another…”
Veteran cricketer VVS Laxman said, “It is very sad to know that the great legend of the greats, Ustad Zakir Hussain is no more. Sad day for the music world. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.”
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “The demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain Sahab makes the world of our culture poorer. With his fingers dancing on dayan and bayan, he brought Indian tabla to the global stage and will always be synonymous with its intricate rhythms. A doyen of music, a giant of creativity, whose works have endeared him to people for generations. His demise has left a void that will be difficult to fill. My heartfelt condolences to his family, disciples and countless fans.”
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said, “Deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely death of renowned maestro and one of the greatest tabla players of all time, Ustad Zakir Hussain. This is a huge loss for his millions of fans across the country and the world. I express my heartfelt condolences to the family, fraternity and followers of the great artist.
YSR Congress Party President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said, “I am deeply saddened by the demise of tabla player Zakir Hussain. A great 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, “Deeply saddened to hear the demise 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 around the world. Om Shanti.”
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan said, “Ustad Zakir Hussain played an important role in popularizing Indian music across the world, serving as an icon of India’s rich musical heritage. A true custodian of classical traditions, his contribution to art is unparalleled. His demise is a great loss to culture and humanity. Heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. #ZakirHussain”
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan said, “India mourns the demise of the great tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, whose unique artistry fused Indian classical music and global sounds, inspiring generations across the world. Their rhythm was not just music but a heartbeat that united cultures. Your legacy will live on, Ustad ji.”
Congress leader KC Venugopal said, “I join the entire nation in mourning the tragic death of tabla player Zakir Hussain. His music won the hearts of billions of people and we will miss him dearly in times to come. My condolences to his family and friends at this time of immense grief.
published – December 16, 2024 12:31 PM IST
