Nah Ustad, Nah!

Conflicting updates on tabla maestro Padma Vibhushan Zakir Hussain's health keeps fans on tenterhooks

- Ra.Bhaumick

The world and the global music community waited with bated breath through Sunday as conflicting news came in about tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain's death at a San Francisco hospital on Sunday. As per reports that came in late Sunday evening, the 73-year-old musician, recipient of Padma Vibhushan in 2023, had been struggling with blood pressure issues and was admitted to the hospital for a heart-related problem two weeks ago. There were conflicting reports about his demise at the time of this report going to press.

Even as the world went through a gamut of emotions at this news, it was especially hard for Amdavadis, even a bit personal, for the innumerable music aficionados who've spent many a wintry nights experiencing the pure joy of saying 'Wah Ustad' as he played with unbridled enthusiasm and passion at the Saptak Annual Festival of Music, the beats of tabla ringing through the auditorium and his curly locks flying in gay abandon. His fervor while playing the tabla and his childlike delight during jugalbandis with legends are etched in the history of Saptak School of Music and Amdavadis' hearts.