PM Narendra Modi reacts on Zakir Hussain’s death describes Ustad Husain as someone who “revolutionised” Indian classical music

The legendary Ustad Zakir Hussain, master of tabla, died on Monday at the age of 73 of a disease related to old age in a hospital in San Francisco. The Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, expressed his heartfelt condolences at the demise of the legendary tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, who he claimed was one of India’s famed classical maestro and made priceless contributions to music worldwide.

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“I am deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary tabla maestro. Ustad Zakir Hussain Ji will be remembered as a true genius who revolutionized Indian classical music, bringing to the world the sound of tabla and enchanting a million hearts with his unmatched cadence. He was responsible for combining Indian classical traditions with global music, thus giving him the edge to take on the mantle of the cultural equalizer,” PM Modi wrote.

Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary tabla maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain Ji. He will be remembered as a true genius who revolutionized the world of Indian classical music. He also brought the tabla to the global stage, captivating millions with his unparalleled rhythm.…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2024

He lauded Hussain’s iconic performances and soulful compositions: “His performances provide endless inspiration to generations of artists and music aficionados across the world.” The Prime Minister also conveyed his sympathies to the musicians’ friends and family.

Ustad Hussain, according to a statement from his family, succumbed to complications arising from chronic lung disease and had been hospitalized for two weeks before being moved to the ICU a day before his demise.

While remembering him, the family said, “He leaves behind a vast legacy adored by countless music lovers across the world, a legacy that will continue to echo bright for generations to come.”

Ustad Zakir Hussain is revered by virtually all for his unmatched virtuosity on the tabla, the masterful fusion of the classical Indian genre with global genres, and, above all, the might and richness of Indian culture across the world that he presented. He surely leaves behind a much poorer world, in terms of one note missing, in his march forward.