MUMBAI: Governor C P Radhakrishnan has expressed deep grief over the demise of world-renowned tabla maestro Padma Vibhushan Ustad Zakir Hussain.
“The news of Ustad Zakir Hussain’s death in America is a great shock to the Indian music world. Zakir Hussain, the son and successor of Ustad Allah Rakha, took the tabla to the global stage,” he said in a statement.
“With his experimentation, hard work, strong playing style and innate talent, Zakir Hussain has mesmerized both classical music connoisseurs and the general public with his phenomenal tabla playing. After listening to his tabla playing, millions of young men and women turned to playing the table,” Governor Radhakrishnan said.
He played a significant role in bringing Indian classical music to the doorsteps and giving the solo tabla instrument its own identity. While making his mark as a saath musician, he played tabla with three generations of singer-musicians, he added.
With his demise, India, especially Maharashtra, has lost its beloved son and a shining star in the field of music. Zakir Hussain’s music will live on forever and will inspire generations of musicians to innovate. On this sad occasion, I pay tribute to the late Ustad Zakir Hussain and convey my condolences to his family and millions of music fans, the Governor said in his condolence message.
Meanwhile Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that with the passing away of Ustad Zakir Hussain, the rhythm of the tabla has been lost. He said we have lost a great son who brought together ardent listeners from around the world through the melodious sounds of the tabla.
The son of Maharashtra, made the whole world crazy about table and attracted many youth towards tabla. He created a unique identity for India in the world in the field of tabla. Hussain has a lion’s share in bringing respect to Indian music at the global level. His disciples are serving music all over the world. He not only cultivated the musical legacy he received from his father, but also took tabla to the highest heights. Many have experienced the magic of his magical fingers on the singing tabla. His juggling act with senior artists was a treat for the fans, said Fadnavis.
He continuously tried to ensure that young and aspiring artists get a platform and showcase their art. Zakir Hussain was synonymous with the tabla. He did a great job of bringing this musical instrument to the center of the stage and earning it a place in the hearts of the people. With his death, a bright star of Indian music has disappeared. I pay my heartfelt tribute to him. We share in the grief of his family and fans, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in his condolence message.
