A Tribute: In Reminiscence of Ustad Zakir Hussain
Dear Friends,
It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Ustad Zakir Hussain, a towering figure in the world of Indian classical music and a global ambassador of rhythm and harmony.
Zakir Ji’s music was more than an art form—it was a divine experience. Through his tabla, he spoke a universal language, weaving intricate rhythms that transcended boundaries and resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.
The Indo-American Arts Council was honored to celebrate and support Zakir Ji’s exceptional performances on multiple occasions in New York City. His concerts beautifully blended the timeless traditions of classical music with a sense of innovation that inspired generations.
On a personal note, I was privileged to witness his very first performance in the United States, where he shared the stage with his father, Ustad Allarakha Ji, and Pandit Ravi Shankar Ji. It was a moment etched in my memory —not just because of our shared roots in Jammu and Kashmir but because Zakir Ji was truly a special individual.
Another cherished memory I hold close is an evening when Zakir Ji came to my home for dinner, accompanied by Ustad Amjad Ali Khan. It was a night filled with warmth and laughter. Later, in 2006, as President of the Association of Indians in America, I had the privilege of honoring Zakir Ji for his contributions to the world of music.
As we celebrate his extraordinary life and legacy, we are reminded of the invaluable role he played in fostering cultural connections. His music not only preserved the rich traditions of Indian classical arts but also opened doors to cross-cultural dialogue, enriching the global arts community.
While we mourn this tremendous loss, we also take solace in knowing that his rhythm will forever echo in the hearts of millions. His life’s work continues to inspire, and his contributions will remain a guiding light for generations of artists and audiences.
On behalf of IAAC, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Zakir Ji’s family, friends, and admirers across the globe. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on through the timeless gift of his music.
Warm regards,
Dr NIrmal Mattoo,
IAAC Chairman
The last time I met him, it was backstage at Jazz at Lincoln Center. As always, he was so gracious and introduced me to his family, including his daughter and granddaughter who lit up the room with pride for him. We spoke of future concerts, dreams that now remain unfulfilled. That evening, I heard him sing for the first time and he showed mastery in every aspect. Those words and those performances will forever resonate in my heart.
I missed meeting him this October. He was performing with WMI and was also able to attend briefly, IAAC’s Kailash Kher concerts. I had to be out of town and missed both opportunities to interact with him and be in his divine presence.
Today, my heart is broken, but I find solace knowing he is in a better place, where his music will echo eternally in the heavens. Rest in peace, Ustad Zakir Hussain. You were and always will be a bridge between worlds, a reminder of the divine power of art.
Thank you for your gift, your presence, and your boundless love for music and humanity. You will be missed beyond words.
Suman Gollamudi Nanduru
Executive Director
How does one truly describe Ustad Zakir Hussain? He wasn’t just one of the greatest tabla maestros to ever grace this earth—he was also one of the kindest, wittiest, and most compassionate human beings I have ever encountered. Like millions of tabla students around the world, I grew up idolizing him. He wasn’t just a musician; he was a beacon of inspiration and an ultimate role model for everyone.
Over the years, I had the extraordinary privilege of meeting him and spending time in his presence on multiple occasions. Each time, I was struck by his unmatched humility and warmth. Despite being a towering figure in the world of music, he treated everyone—whether a lifelong admirer or a first-time fan—with the same genuine attention and care. His memory was razor-sharp, and his ability to make everyone feel valued and heard was unparalleled. That humility, that humanity, was why he was adored by millions across the globe.
There are countless memories that flood my mind as I write this, and tears roll down my cheeks as I reflect on how profoundly blessed I am to have shared moments with him. I won’t even attempt to comment on his virtuosity as a musician—it transcends words.
Zakir ji and Toni ji attended the IAAC concert we had presented for Kailash Kher in New York City two months ago, even though he had his own performance with Rahul Sharma the very next day. The next day, after his concert, when I visited him backstage, we spoke about the upcoming concert IAAC and the Tilles Center were planning to present with him and his Masters of Percussion in April 2025. Sadly, that dream will now remain unfulfilled.
The world remains in profound shock at his sudden and untimely passing. He was not just a phenomenon but a guiding light whose life embodied brilliance and wisdom. His words of insight and the lessons he imparted will continue to inspire and resonate with us for generations to come.
The legacy he leaves behind is monumental, but the void his passing has created is immeasurable. We can only pray for his soul to rest in eternal music and for his family and the global community of music lovers to find strength in this time of profound loss.
Ustad Zakir Hussain was in a league of his own, and the world is forever richer for his gifts—but also poorer for his absence.
—
Sunny Thakkar
IAAC Music Festival Director
In addition to music career tabla maestro Zakir Hussain also acted in a few films. His best known role was in James Ivory’s Heat And Dust where he played Julie Christie’s landlord, who also has a relationship with her.
His soundtracks for classic indie films of the 1990s and 2000s were outstanding. Especially lovely are the compositions for Aparna Sen’s Mr And Mrs Iyer and Ismail Merchant’s In Custody.
In early 2020’s New York Indian Film Festival showed a fantastic documentary The Space Between Notes – a series of conversations between Zakir Hussain and sitar player Niladri Kumar. Stunning documentary and wonderful performances. Look for the documentary.
Aseem Chhabra
Festival Director
New York Indian Film Festival
Zakir Hussain was the one of the greatest stars in the Indian music firmament, a colossus in world percussive history. A prodigy, pioneer, innovator, composer, collaborator and above all, the personification of genuineness, graciousness and generosity! He turned all of us into rasikas through his tabla. I was blessed to have to watched him perform over the years and spend time with him in person. Not many know that he was an avid cricket fan and this I saw in person in May 2006 when he came over to my sister in law’s home in Stamford, CT after his concert to watch (on the computer and not TV) a India Sri Lanka cricket match. We were taken aback by his incredible knowledge of statistics of individual players in the Indian team and his keen reading of the game. We spoke more about cricket than music which is what he wanted.
Even now, I still pinch myself looking at Zakir bhai, my brother in law, Raghu and myself cracking up at a joke that the Ustaad had made. Six years later, he performed with Rakesh Chaurasia at Pace University and we shared a laugh when I reminded about his trip to Stamford.
Rest in Music, Zakir Hussain. You were one of a kind and gave us so much Joy.
Satish Kolluri
NYIFF Curator