India’s great tabla player, Ustad Zakir Hussain has passed away at the age of 73. This news is a deep shock for crores of his fans. He breathed his last on Sunday in a hospital in San Francisco, USA, where he was admitted in a critical condition. Zakir Hussain’s demise is an irreparable loss not only for the Indian music industry but for music lovers all over the world.
Zakir Hussain’s life and his musical journey
The name of Zakir Hussain needs no introduction in India. His music is played not only in India but all over the world and his contribution to Indian music will remain priceless. He was born on 9 March 1951 in Mumbai, and entered the world of music since childhood. His father Ustad Allah Rakha Khan, himself a renowned tabla player, introduced Zakir Hussain to the art.
Zakir Hussain’s lion-like grip and amazing technique made him one of the most prominent artists of tabla playing. He started his career at the age of just 14, and at the age of 20, he started getting recognition in India and abroad. There was such a depth in the beats of his tabla which any music lover could feel.
Three-time Grammy Award winner and inspiration for Indian music
Ustad Zakir Hussain took Indian music to new heights. He not only contributed to Indian classical music but also expanded new genres of music with western music. In 1992, he was awarded the prestigious Grammy Award for his contribution to the field of music, and again in 2009. He received this award for his contribution to classical, jazz and other musical genres.
Similarly, the Indian government also appreciated his contribution and awarded him the country’s highest civilian honor ‘Padma Vibhushan’. Earlier, he had also received ‘Padma Bhushan’ (2002) and ‘Padma Shri’ (1988), which is a symbol of his dedication and hard work.
Zakir Hussain honored by Government of India
Zakir Hussain not only received foreign praise for his contribution to the field of Indian music, but the Government of India also honored him with several highest honors from time to time. On March 22, 2023, President Draupadi Murmu honored him with the Padma Vibhushan. This honor was given to him for spreading the tradition of Indian music all over the world.
Zakir Hussain’s contribution to the music world
Zakir Hussain’s name is a milestone in the field of tabla playing. The music composed by him brought prestige to Indian music not only in India but throughout the world. Music lovers from all over the world gathered at his shows, and every music lover was mesmerized by his playing style.
He introduced Indian classical music to the global stage, and also incorporated Western musical techniques into Indian music. The power of his playing and technical mastery made him not only a master of the tabla but also a unique musician.
Zakir Hussain on international stage
Zakir Hussain’s name is taken in India as a great tabla player, but his field of work was not limited to India only. He was famous for his tabla playing all over the world. His music was the center of attraction not only for lovers of Indian classical music but also for fans of jazz, rock and fusion music.
Zakir Hussain, during his musical journey, also performed with legendary musicians like Michael Jackson, George Harrison and Louis Armstrong. He acted as a bridge between Indian music and Western music and composed some unique music by combining both the styles.
Other major artists who contributed to his musical journey
Zakir Hussain’s music was not limited to tabla only. He collaborated with many other musicians in his career. Among the artists who performed music with him, names of world famous singer Pt. Birju Maharaj, violinist Lakshan Raghav and other great artists are taken. He became a part of many famous musical programs with these artists and gave them a new direction with his art.
Wave of mourning on his demise in India and abroad
After the demise of Zakir Hussain, there is a wave of mourning in the Indian music world. His fans, colleagues and other prominent figures in the music industry are deeply missing him. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Draupadi Murmu and many big names from the Indian music world have condoled his demise. Prime Minister Modi tweeted, “The art of Ustad Zakir Hussain gave a new identity to Indian music, his contribution will never be forgotten.”
Zakir Hussain’s music will live forever
Zakir Hussain’s demise is an unprecedented loss to the field of Indian music and art, but the legacy he left behind will live on forever. His music, his rhythms, and the experiments he did have become a part of the history of Indian music. Future generations will always be inspired by his playing, and his art will live on.
His achievements have been appreciated not only in India but across the world. His music will never end, as his tunes and beats will always resonate in the hearts of music lovers.
A message for music lovers
Zakir Hussain’s journey was an invaluable contribution to the development of Indian music. His life is an inspiration to all the musicians who work with constant hard work and dedication to master their art. We all can never forget his contribution and will always remain immersed in his tunes.
