Tributes Pour in for Legendary Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain, PM Modi Calls Him 'True Genius'

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Tributes have been pouring in for the legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, who passed away at the age of 73. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to express his condolences, calling Hussain a "true genius" who revolutionized Indian classical music. Modi emphasized that Hussain's contributions to music were unparalleled, and he would be remembered as a cultural icon who bridged borders through his music.

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Zakir Hussain's career was marked by numerous accolades and groundbreaking collaborations. He was a child prodigy who began his professional career at the age of twelve and had toured internationally by the age of eighteen. Hussain's playing was characterized by his uncanny intuition, masterful improvisational dexterity, and formidable knowledge and study. He was the favorite accompanist for many of India’s greatest classical musicians and dancers and was widely considered a chief architect of the contemporary world-music movement.

Hussain's collaborations were historic and diverse, including Shakti, Remember Shakti, the Diga Rhythm Band, Making Music, Planet Drum with Mickey Hart, Tabla Beat Science, and Sangam with Charles Lloyd and Eric Harland. He also recorded and performed with a wide range of artists such as George Harrison, Yo-Yo Ma, Joe Henderson, Van Morrison, Airto Moreira, Pharoah Sanders, Billy Cobham, Mark Morris, Rennie Harris, and Kodo. His 2009 recording with Béla Fleck and Edgar Meyer, "The Melody of Rhythm," was nominated for a Grammy in 2010.

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In addition to his musical achievements, Hussain was honored with numerous awards, including the Padma Bhushan in 2002, Padma Shri in 1988, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1991, Kalidas Samman in 2006, the 1999 National Heritage Fellowship Award, the Bay Area Isadora Duncan Award (1998-1999), and Grammys in 1991 (Planet Drum) and 2009 (Global Drum Project) for Best World Music Album.

Prime Minister Modi's tribute highlighted Zakir Hussain's role as a cultural ambassador who brought Indian classical music to the world stage, making significant contributions to both Indian and world music.