Ustad Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla virtuoso, passed away at 73 on Monday morning in a San Francisco hospital. He is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, and their daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.
The news of his death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from musicians, celebrities, and political figures, underscoring the immense influence Hussain had on the world of music.
One of those grieving his loss is Ajay Sharma, the third-generation owner of Rikhi Ram and Sons, a famed music instrument store in Delhi, which was also a favorite spot for the Beatles. The shop, established in 1920 by Rikhi Ram, a musician who moved to Delhi after the Partition, has long been a hub for musical talent, including Hussain himself.
Sharma called Hussain’s passing an “irreplaceable loss,” saying, “It is a black day for the music world. Zakir Hussain’s absence creates a void, but his legacy, his memories, and his teachings will remain with us. It is now our duty to carry his legacy forward and share his wisdom with future generations.”
Not only did Hussain acquire his iconic tablas from Rikhi Ram and Sons, but he also sourced other instruments to support his musical compositions. Sharma recalled, “Although his visits became less frequent due to his busy schedule, his students would often come to us for instruments like the tanpura. In the 1970s and ’80s, Zakir Sahab used to visit us personally two or three times, and those moments are unforgettable.”
Ustad Zakir Hussain’s monumental contributions to music will continue to inspire and shape the future of music for years to come.
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