Tributes Pour in as Film Industry Remembers Legendary Zakir Hussain

Mumbai, Dec 16 (NationPress) The tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain has ascended to the heavens on December 15, leaving a tremendous void in India’s music landscape. Through his remarkable skill and humility, the Ustad influenced numerous lives across generations, including those in power and the common populace. The legacy of one of the finest tabla players is such that his passing feels like a personal tragedy for many.

Numerous personalities from the film industry, including Kamal Haasan, Akshay Kumar, A. R. Rahman, Mohanlal, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Hansal Mehta, and others, have expressed their condolences following his demise.

Bollywood icon Akshay Kumar shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, posting an image of Zakir Hussain and stating, "Very saddened to learn about the unfortunate passing of Ustad Zakir Hussain Sahab. He was an invaluable asset to our country's musical heritage. Om Shanti".

Veteran Tamil actor Kamal Haasan also took to X, previously known as Twitter, to share a nostalgic photograph showing Zakir Hussain guiding him in rhythm while he played the tabla. He expressed, "Zakir Bhai! He departed too early. Yet, we cherish the moments he gifted us and the legacy of his art. Farewell and thank you".

Academy and Grammy Award-winning composer A. R. Rahman referred to Zakir as a source of inspiration, voicing regret over missed collaborative opportunities in recent years. He remarked, "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. Zakir Bhai was a beacon of inspiration, a colossal figure who brought the tabla to worldwide recognition. His absence is profoundly felt by us all. I regret that we could not work together as we did in the past, despite our plans for a joint album. You will be dearly missed. May his family and his countless global students find the fortitude to endure this significant loss".

Malayalam cinema stalwart Mohanlal remarked on his X account, "Ustad Zakir Hussain’s departure creates an irreplaceable gap in the realm of music. His beats connected hearts across nations. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and fans".

Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, who recently starred alongside Akshay Kumar in 'Singham Again', paid tribute with a touching image that included herself, Zakir Hussain, and her father, Randhir Kapoor. She captioned it, "Maestro forever".

Director Hansal Mehta, who worked with Kareena on 'The Buckingham Murders', also shared his thoughts on X, saying, "The maestro who turned countless sleepless nights at Hindustani classical concerts into unforgettable experiences. The artist who knew how to captivate an audience with his craft. The Ustad who made the tabla alluring. Farewell Ustad Zakir Hussain".

Playback singer Sonu Nigam expressed his disbelief at the loss of the musician, writing on Instagram, "Zakir bhai… What is this?".

Actress Nimrat Kaur reminisced about witnessing Ustad Zakir Hussain live earlier this year, sharing a picture and video on Instagram. She wrote, "On Feb 28th, ’24, during my last experience of Ustad Zakir Hussain’s live performance at Prithvi Theatre, I recall my heart resonating with the flawless brilliance of his talent. His international stardom and peak accomplishments will forever inspire and energize us".

"His ability to remain humble, gracious, and generous throughout his extraordinary life journey serves as a life goal for me. Your gentle gaze and mystical presence will transcend generations… rest in glory, Ustad ji. There will never be another like you", she concluded.