Legendary tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away on December 16, 2024, leaving a significant void in the world of music. His death has deeply affected many, including prominent figures from various fields. Amitabh Bachchan, a legendary actor in Indian cinema, expressed his sorrow on social media, stating, “Still not able to digest the loss of Ustad Zakir Hussain… so many personal and private moments, just a wonderful pleasant memory now.” This heartfelt message reflects the profound impact Hussain had on those who knew him and the broader musical community.
Ustad Zakir Hussain was undergoing treatment for heart-related issues in the United States when he succumbed to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. His family confirmed that he had been hospitalised for over a month and spent two weeks in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) before his passing.
Hussain’s sister, Khurshid Aulia, shared with PTI that he left this world peacefully after the ventilation machine was turned off at 4 PM San Francisco time. The family’s statement emphasised his legacy as a teacher and mentor who inspired countless musicians and hoped to motivate future generations.
The news of Hussain’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from various celebrities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, describing Hussain as “a true genius who revolutionized the world of Indian classical music.”
Musician AR Rahman took to his X account and shared how much Ustad Zakir meant to the world of music. He described the loss as immeasurable and spoke about how Zakir inspired millions of people.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. Zakir Bhai was an inspiration, a towering personality who elevated the tabla to global acclaim. His loss is immeasurable for all of us,” read his X post.
Akshay Kumar also mourned the loss, stating, “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.” Kareena Kapoor shared a nostalgic photograph featuring herself with her father Randhir Kapoor and Zakir Hussain, captioning it simply with “Maestro. Forever” alongside red heart emojis.
Hussain’s contributions to music were vast and varied, he was not only a performer but also a cultural ambassador who brought Indian classical music to global audiences.
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