Jackie Shroff remembers legendary tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain on his first death anniversary, honoring his unmatched contribution to Indian classical music, global cultural influence, Grammy wins, and enduring artistic legacy.
Veteran Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff paid an emotional tribute to legendary tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain on the occasion of his first death anniversary, remembering the globally celebrated musician for his timeless contribution to Indian classical music and world culture.
Jackie Shroff took to his Instagram Stories to honor the memory of the iconic percussionist. He shared a monochrome photograph of Ustad Zakir Hussain, capturing the maestro in a moment of quiet dignity. Accompanying the image, Jackie wrote a simple yet powerful message: “Remembering… Ustad Zakir Hussain ji on his death anniversary.” The tribute resonated with music lovers and fans across generations, highlighting the lasting influence of the legendary artist.
Ustad Zakir Hussain is widely regarded as one of the greatest tabla players of all time and arguably the finest percussionist of his generation. Born into a rich musical lineage, he was the son of legendary tabla virtuoso Ustad Alla Rakha. From a very young age, Zakir Hussain displayed extraordinary talent and dedication, eventually redefining the role of the tabla on the global stage.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Ustad Zakir Hussain transcended boundaries of genre, geography, and tradition. While deeply rooted in Indian classical music, he collaborated with leading musicians from jazz, Western classical, fusion, and contemporary world music. His work helped introduce Indian rhythms to international audiences, making the tabla a universally recognized instrument.
The maestro’s contribution to music earned him widespread recognition and numerous prestigious awards. Among his most notable honors was the United States National Endowment for the Arts’ National Heritage Fellowship, the highest award given to traditional artists and musicians in the US. This recognition underscored his role as a cultural ambassador who bridged Eastern and Western musical traditions with grace and innovation.
In India, Ustad Zakir Hussain was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1990, one of the country’s most esteemed recognitions for performing artists. Later, in 2018, he received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship, Ratna Sadsya, the highest honor conferred by the Akademi, cementing his legacy as a national treasure.
His global acclaim extended to the world’s most prestigious music awards as well. Ustad Zakir Hussain received nine Grammy Award nominations during his lifetime and won four Grammy Awards, including three in 2024. These achievements reflected not only his technical brilliance but also his ability to connect deeply with audiences across cultures.
Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away on December 15, 2024, in San Francisco, California, following complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He was 73 years old. His death marked the end of an era in Indian classical music, prompting tributes from artists, political leaders, cultural institutions, and fans worldwide. Even a year later, his absence continues to be deeply felt, while his music remains immortal.
Jackie Shroff’s tribute is one among many that highlight how deeply Ustad Zakir Hussain influenced not just musicians, but also artists from other creative fields. The actor has long been known for his appreciation of art, culture, and environmental causes, and his remembrance reflects the profound respect Zakir Hussain commanded beyond the music fraternity.
On the professional front, Jackie Shroff was recently seen on the big screen in the comedy thriller “Housefull 5.” The film features a massive ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Fardeen Khan, Shreyas Talpade, Nana Patekar, Jackie Shroff, Dino Morea, Jacqueline Fernandez, Nargis Fakhri, Chitrangada Singh, Sonam Bajwa, Soundarya Sharma, Chunky Pandey, Nikitin Dheer, and Johnny Lever.
“Housefull 5” is a murder mystery comedy that revolves around chaos and confusion aboard a luxury cruise ship. The plot follows multiple imposters who claim to be the son of a recently deceased billionaire, each competing for a vast fortune. The film combines humor, suspense, and larger-than-life performances, continuing the franchise’s legacy of extravagant entertainment.
Looking ahead, Jackie Shroff is set to appear in Ahmed Khan’s upcoming comedy film “Welcome To The Jungle.” The film boasts an exceptionally large star cast, including Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon, Disha Patani, Lara Dutta, Jacqueline Fernandez, Shreyas Talpade, Aftab Shivdasani, Mika Singh, Mukesh Tiwari, Zakir Hussain, Yashpal Sharma, Johnny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Tusshar Kapoor, and Sayaji Shinde.
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As Jackie Shroff continues to entertain audiences with his on-screen presence, his tribute to Ustad Zakir Hussain serves as a reminder of the enduring power of art and music. While legends may leave the physical world, their legacy lives on through the hearts they touched and the culture they enriched. Ustad Zakir Hussain remains “always remembered,” not just on anniversaries, but every time his rhythms echo across the world.
