The passing of Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla virtuoso, has left a deep and irreplaceable void in the world of classical music. Tributes have poured in from all over, with musicians and celebrities across generations mourning the loss of the maestro. Among those remembering him fondly is Anup Jalota, a prominent Indian singer who had a close personal connection with Zakir Hussain. In an emotional interview, Jalota spoke about the incredible legacy left behind by Zakir Bhai, as he affectionately called him.
Anup Jalota Said: A Huge Loss for Music
Anup Jalota recalled the immense impact of Zakir Hussain‘s passing, expressing that his death marked a major loss for Indian classical music. He said, “Ustaad Zakir Hussain, hum unko pyaar se Zakir Bhai kehke bulaate the. Unka jaana ek bohot bada nuksaan hai, kyunki sach toh yeh hai ki aisa tabla baajna kabhi nahi hua aur na kabhi hoga.” (“We used to call him Zakir Bhai with love. His passing is a huge loss because the truth is, such a tabla player has never existed, nor will there ever be one.”)
Jalota’s words reflect the deep respect he had for the tabla maestro, acknowledging his unparalleled talent and the unique place he held in the world of music.
Cherished Memories of Working Together
Anup Jalota also shared some heartfelt memories from the time he performed with Zakir Hussain during a concert tour in the United States and Canada. The duo toured together, and Jalota recalls the experience fondly. “We performed together in 10-12 programs across America and Canada,” he said. “Zakir Bhai would play the tabla while I sang. Every moment with him was a cherished memory. He was so humble and down-to-earth. If you touched his feet, he would touch yours. That’s the kind of person he was.”
The warmth and humility that Zakir Hussain displayed offstage were as remarkable as his extraordinary skill on the tabla. Jalota described their time together as unforgettable, emphasizing that the legendary tabla player was not only a master of his craft but also a person with immense kindness and humility.
The World Mourns a Musical Icon
The loss of Zakir Hussain has resonated deeply across the music community. Fellow celebrities such as Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, AR Rahman, Ricky Kej, and Kareena Kapoor have expressed their condolences and paid tribute to his immense contributions to music. His legacy is remembered not only by his close friends and colleagues but by the entire global music community that he helped to bridge with his incredible talent.
Zakir Hussain: A Global Ambassador of Indian Classical Music
Zakir Hussain’s influence on music stretched far beyond the borders of India. Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, he was the son of Ustad Alla Rakha, one of India’s most respected tabla maestros. Zakir Hussain went on to become a pioneering force in the world of music, elevating the tabla to international acclaim.
Throughout his career, he collaborated with some of the biggest names in Western music, including Yo-Yo Ma, Charles Lloyd, Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Mickey Hart, and even George Harrison. His groundbreaking work with these musicians helped bring Indian classical music to a global stage. Zakir Hussain’s contributions earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.
Though Zakir Hussain is no longer with us, his influence on music continues to inspire countless artists around the world. His legacy as a musical ambassador will live on through his recordings, collaborations, and the many lives he touched with his profound artistry.
