After touring across 10 cities in India, Diljit Dosanjh’s Dil-Luminati tour is all set to make its stop in the ‘City of Dreams’. The Punjabi superstar will perform in Mumbai on Thursday, December 19. Mumbai was not included in the tour’s initial list of Indian cities. However, a show here was later added due to high demand. Two other shows – one in Jaipur and an additional one in Delhi were also added. After the singer delivered hit songs and enthralling performances in several shows across the country, the anticipation for his arrival in the city is high, with fans excitedly waiting to witness this magic live. Like all his shows so far, he is expected to deliver a mix of fan-favourites and chart-topping hits with songs like Lover, G.O.A.T, 5 Taara, Lemonade, Hass Hass, Kinni Kinni, among others. Diljit Dosanjh Mumbai concert time and venue Dosanjh will perform on December 19 at Mahalaxmi Race Course. According to the Zomato website, the gates will open at 5 PM. The venue of the concert was not revealed at the time of tickets going live, and updated later. Earlier this month, American pop-rock band Maroon 5 had also performed at this venue in Mumbai. Parking is not available at the venue. Hence, it is advised to use public transport to reach there. How to reach: The nearest local train station is Mahalaxmi on the western line and Byculla on the central line. The nearest mono rail station is Jacob Circle. Diljit Dosanjh Mumbai concert tickets The tickets for Dosanjh’s Mumbai concert were sold out within minutes after they went live on November 22. According to the website, there were four categories of tickets. Silver – Rs 4999 Gold – Rs 11,999 HSBC Star Struck Fan Pit – Rs 21,999 Lounge – Rs 60,000 About Dil-Luminati India Tour 2024 As a part of his Dil-Luminati Tour, Dosanjh has performed overseas in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, and has now returned to India for a 12-city tour – Delhi, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Pune, Kolkata, Bangalore, Indore, Chandigarh, Mumbai and Guwahati. The singer started the tour in India with a packed stadium in Delhi on October 26. His Mumbai concert will be the penultimate show of the tour, before he performs the grand finale in Guwahati on December 29. Also Read: Music lovers in Mumbai, gear up for an exciting month! Check list of concerts in December
18 December,2024 09:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNational Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) is bringing four award-winning plays from the Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META) Festival, hosting them at its Experimental Theatre to celebrate 20 years of the awards. This four-day theatre showcase will be held from Thursday, December 19 to Sunday, December 22, 2024. The critically acclaimed plays will be screened in Hindi, Assamese and Bundeli, complemented by other experiences including engaging workshops and talks that celebrate the spirit of theatre. META enables a range of diverse themes and dialects to be showcased on the national stage at its annual week-long festival in New Delhi, which culminates in Indian theatre’s prestigious award show. On hosting the first edition of the META festival in Mumbai, Mr. Bruce Guthrie, Head of Theatre and Film, National Centre for the Performing Arts, said, "As we launch the inaugural NCPA Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards festival, we are delighted to collaborate with the Mahindra Group and Teamwork Arts to bring these exceptional productions to the NCPA. This festival features an incredible array of works from across India, giving our audiences a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural narratives and stories that define our diverse heritage. We are thrilled to offer a platform for established and emerging voices, showcasing the transformative power of the performing arts and inviting audiences to engage with the myriad perspectives. Together with our partners, we look forward to celebrating artists' extraordinary contributions and enriching the nation's cultural landscape.” Also Read: Zubin Mehta in Mumbai: My life conducting orchestra is like a molten lava, it never stops Jay Shah, Vice President, Head - Cultural Outreach, The Mahindra Group, said, “META has always been a powerful platform for social change through the rich and varied legacy of the theatre that it has showcased, recognised and given voice to. As we celebrate 20 milestone years of the META journey, we are delighted to bring four plays that embody the depth, reach and inclusive identity of META - to NCPA Mumbai . A powerful theatre experience awaits Mumbai audiences and we look forward to partaking of the same together.” Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director, Teamwork Arts, said, “Theatre is one of the most powerful tools to hold up a mirror to society. In its 20-year journey, META has empowered, enabled and rewarded this art form which flourishes in the farthest corners of India. To be able to bring a slice of META , as part of its 20th-year year celebrations, to the NCPA , a space that accords theatre its rightful place, is a fitting tribute to the potential and possibility of the stage, and we are delighted that this could come to fruition.” The NCPA-META festival line-up includes the following acclaimed plays: Andha Yug What: Written by Dharamvir Bharati, Andha Yug explores moral dilemmas in the aftermath of the Mahabharata war, reflecting on violence and its societal implications Language: Hindi play with English subtitles (65 mins) When: Thursday, December 19; 7:00 pm Agarbatti What: This powerful narrative addresses the struggles of widows and the complexities of crime and morality in a post-massacre society. Language: Hindi and Bundeli (80 mins) When: Friday, December 20; 7:00 pm Raghunath What: A poignant tale of loss and community, Raghunath’s journey highlights the urgent need for infrastructure and hope in the face of tragedy. Language: Assamese play with English subtitles (70 mins) When: Saturday, December 21; 7:00 pm Do You Know This Song What: Mallika Taneja invites audiences to journey through grief and rediscovery in this touching exploration of love, loss and the power of memory. Language: Hindi and English play with English subtitles (90 mins) When: Sunday, December 22; 7:00 pm Also Read: Award-winning theatrical ‘Life of Pi’ debuts in India; premieres at NMACC in Mumbai
18 December,2024 09:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPunjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh, is all set to perform in Mumbai on Thursday, December 19. Ahead of his concert, the singer was extended a warm welcome by the city's iconic dabbawalas on Wednesday. The anticipation for the penultimate show of Dosanjh's Dil-Luminati India tour is high, and the dabbawalas have hopped on to the bandwagon to celebrate his arrival. Dabbawalas are an integral part of Mumbai’s food culture. For decades, they have been more than just deliverymen; they’re cultural ambassadors who carry the essence of Mumbai in every meal they transport. Given Dosanjh's tendency to experience and celebrate the local culture of different Indian cities he has performed in so far, this marks a special occurrence. Clad in Diljit’s kurta, chadra, jacket, and gloves, the dabbawalas are making their rounds across Mumbai’s iconic spots and neighbourhoods. A spokesperson of the dabbawalas said, “For over 130 years, we dabbawalas have been delivering more than just tiffins across Mumbai. We’ve been delivering a piece of home, a sense of belonging, and the heart of this city to people everywhere. Over the years, we’ve seen many people come and go, but no one has made an impact quite like Diljit”. Further stressing on the common link between Dosanjh and the dabbawalas, the spokesperson said, “He doesn’t just represent success; he embodies the power of staying connected to your roots while reaching new heights. Wherever he goes, he makes the world see the beauty of his culture. Having built our legacy on staying grounded and true to our traditions, we dabbawalas understand that deeply. This tribute is our way of honouring him, thank you, Diljit, for reminding us of all that our culture is something to be proud of and carry forward”. Reacting to this heartfelt gesture, Dosanjh said, “I’m truly humbled by this heartfelt gesture from Mumbai’s dabbawalas. Their dedication and connection to their roots inspire me deeply, and it’s a reminder of the strength in staying true to who you are. Mumbai welcomes every person of different ethnicity with open arms. Your words are my strength." "Punjabi Mumbai madhye ale oye," he concluded in Marathi. The show is produced by Saregama Live and Ripple Effects Studio. Reflecting on this tribute, Siddharth Anand Kumar, Senior Vice President, Films and Events at Saregama, said, “In today’s world, where trends come and go, Diljit’s ability to stay true to himself is why he continues to inspire so many around the world. His return to Mumbai is not just another performance—it’s a celebration of cultural pride, and in that, the dabbawalas, as the lifeblood of this city, are the perfect embodiment of the spirit he represents." About Diljit Dosanjh Mumbai concert Dosanjh will perform on December 19 at Mahalaxmi Race Course. According to the Zomato website, the gates will open at 5 PM. The tickets for this show wer sold out within minutes after they went live on November 22. Also Read: Diljit Dosanjh to perform in Mumbai on December 19; here’s all you need to know After the singer delivered hit songs and enthralling performances in several shows across the country, the anticipation for his arrival in the city is high, with fans excitedly waiting to witness this magic live. Like all his shows so far, he is expected to deliver a mix of fan-favourites and chart-topping hits with songs like Lover, G.O.A.T, 5 Taara, Lemonade, Hass Hass, Kinni Kinni, among others.
18 December,2024 04:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDriven by strong growth and political stability, real estate institutional investments in India reached historic high levels at $8.9 billion across 78 deals in 2024, surpassing the previous 2007 record by 6 per cent ($8.4 billion), a report showed on Wednesday. This represents a substantial 51 per cent increase (to date) from the previous year's $5.8 billion. Also, deal activity intensified, and the year saw an increase in the number of deals by 47 per cent, according to the report by JLL, a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company. Foreign institutional investors accounted for 63 per cent of total investments, while domestic investors contributed 37 per cent. Additionally, 2024 saw a total of $2.4 billion in platform commitments. These funds are earmarked for gradual investment over the coming 3-5 years, the report noted. Government efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in real estate have given a boost to investor confidence in the last few years. Qualified institutional placements (QIPs) emerged as a significant funding source, raising USD 2.7 billion for the real estate sector. Real estate investment trusts (REITs) in India have seen a substantial surge in activity recently. Their investments in 2024 reached nearly $800 million, marking a more than threefold increase from 2023 levels. “Strong growth, political stability, and diverse investment opportunities positioned India favourably in the global economic context. The real estate sector has seen a surge in institutional investments. Along with platform commitments, 2024 will see investor interest cross the $11 billion mark,” said Lata Pillai, senior managing director and head of capital markets, India, JLL. The year witnessed the residential sector with the highest amount of investments at 45 per cent share of the total investments, followed by office at 28 per cent. “The residential sector has emerged as a standout performer, attracting more than $4 billion across 49 deals, marking a 4-fold increase from the previous year and outpacing the office sector by 63% in transaction volume,” said Dr Samantak Das, chief economist and head of research and REIS, India, JLL. Emerging asset classes such as data centres, student housing, life sciences, and healthcare are gaining traction, reflecting investors' appetite for diversification and alignment with evolving market dynamics. In 2025, the Indian real estate market is poised for further growth and diversification, said the report. Also Read: Real estate top investment choice for Indians, bigger homes in demand as rentals surge This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 December,2024 12:25 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSJharkhand's centuries-old traditional musical instrument, Mandar, is on the verge of receiving a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, with the final hearing scheduled for December 20 before the Registrar of Geographical Indications, Government of India. Mandar holds a special place in Jharkhand's cultural heritage, serving as the primary instrument played during festivals, crop celebrations, religious rituals, and cultural events. It is deeply integrated into the lives of both tribal and non-tribal communities, having been used for centuries in various dance and song performances. Securing the GI tag will not only provide formal recognition but also present Mandar as a unique cultural and intellectual property of India on the global stage. Currently, Jharkhand has only one GI tag, awarded in 2021 to Sohrai paintings from Hazaribagh district. The claim for the GI tag was filed in 2023 on behalf of Mandar by the Mandar Producer Company of Jarjatta village, located in the Raidih block of Gumla district. This initiative was spearheaded by the then Deputy Commissioner of Gumla, Sushant Gaurav, and is now being closely monitored by the current Deputy Commissioner, Karna Satyarthi. Sources indicate that Jharkhand's claim has so far met most of the required parameters during previous hearings. Nandlal Nayak, a renowned folk artist from Jharkhand highlighted the uniqueness of Mandar, stating that no similar replica has been found in any other region or country. Jarjatta village, known for its expertise in crafting Mandar, has been associated with its production since ancient times. Today, the fourth generation of 22 families in the village continues this traditional craft. Also Read: Preserving heritage: Are we failing India's Dhokra artisans? The Mandar is a percussion instrument characterised by its distinctive cylindrical shape made from red clay, which slightly bulges in the middle. The structure is hollow, with its openings covered by leather on both sides. The right opening is smaller, while the left is larger. The leather coverings are secured using braided cords. A special coating, known as Kiran, is applied to the smaller opening, giving Mandar its resonant and unique sound. When played, the musician often moves rhythmically, carrying the instrument using a rope slung over the shoulder. If granted the GI tag, Mandar will not only bolster Jharkhand's cultural identity but also create opportunities for its preservation and global promotion. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 December,2024 10:24 AM IST | Jharkhand | IANSTabla maestro Zakir Hussain left a huge void in the music world as he passed away early morning on December 16. The late percussionist was not only an ace artiste but also an inspiration for many veterans and newbies of the industry. His skill and willingness to explore multiple genres has registered him as one of the most legendary figures of Indian and global music. As the news of his death came out, several musicians poured in tributes for him, sharing their memories with the maestro and how the latter shaped their musical journey. Mahesh Kale, San Francisco-based National Award-winning Hindustani classical vocalist also expressed his grief. “I have a sense of bereavement… I am completely dumbfounded,” he said. Expressing his deep admiration for the maestro, he added, “There are so many things I remember about Zakir ji. Growing up, he was like God, and he became God – I could see that when I met him. And he beheld and lived many qualities that are godly.” Kale has several fond memories with Hussain. Reflecting on the same, he shared, “I was fortunate that I lived in a town not too far away from him in San Francisco. I have been very fortunate to have spent one-on-one time with him on several occasion – in his table workshops, Gandhiji's 150th birthday celebrations that we both were a part of, etc.” “It was during the pandemic that he said we should try to do something remotely, but I insisted we do something in person because it gave me the opportunity to spend some time with him. We have spent days together, and every single moment with him was a learning experience, a masterclass in itself,” he concluded. Throughout his journey, Ustad Zakir Hussain touched many lives, a fact evident form the immense grief that prevails among both the creative industry and fans alike. Also Read: 'He was surrounded by family and loved ones': Official statement confirms Zakir Hussain's demise
17 December,2024 10:06 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentUstad Zakir Hussain, one of the most celebrated classical musicians of India and a renowned name across the world, passed away on Monday morning at a San Francisco hospital. Aged 73, he was battling idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which has been stated as the official cause of death according to the family statement. Throughout his more than six-decade long career, the tabla maestro not only inspired young Indians to pursue the art form but also became the ambassador of Indian music globally. From starting his music career at a young age to contributing his expertise to various international albums, Ustad Hussain set several award-worthy benchmarks. Most recently, he won three Grammy Awards in February 2024 for different albums, alongside other artistes who contributed to them. Here’s a look at the musicians long list of awards. - Hussain was awarded the Padma Shri in 1988, the fourth-highest civilian honour in India. Furthermore, he was also won the Padma Bhushan in 2002, the third-highest civilian honour in India, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023, India’s second-highest civilian honour. - One of the earliest awards he received was the Sangeet Natak Academi Award in 1990, given by the President of India. The academy also accorded Hussain with the Academy Fellow award, also known as the Academy Ratna, for the year 2018. - In 1992, ‘Planet Drum’, an album he collaborated with Mickey Hart on, won the first-ever Grammy Award for Best World Music Album. - Hussain has 7 Grammy nominations and 4 wins. - In 2009, at the 51st Grammy Awards, the table maestro won the Grammy in the Contemporary World Music Album category for his collaborative album ‘Global Drum Project’. - In 2024, at the 66th Grammy Awards, Hussain won three awards: Best Global Music Performance for Pashto, written and recorded in collaboration with Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer and Rakesh Chaurasia; Best Global Music Album for This Moment, which marked the comeback of the pioneering world-fusion band Shakti; Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for As We Speak, which he won alongside Fleck, Meyer and Chaurasia. Apart from these world-renowned honours, Hussain has been conferred with several regional, national and international awards and recognitions. Also Read: Tabla virtuoso Ustad Zakir Hussain reminisces about a special memory in Mumbai and talks about the evolution of Indian classical music
17 December,2024 10:06 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away early in San Fransisco in the US on December 15 leaving many people really sad around the world. Among the many to react has been British-American sitar player and musician Anoushka Shankar who expressed her grief on social media hours after the news of his death was confirmed by the family. Shankar, who is the daughter of legendary Indian sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar, wrote on her Instagram, "Dear God, may he rest in peace. He has now passed away approx 1.5 hours ago surrounded by family. Sending them all the love in the world to get through this. We have lost one of the Greatest. Some of us have lost a beloved. It is devastating." Earlier in the day, amid many news reports of his passing away being circulated on social media, he stated, "Please stop posting about Zakir Uncle's demise. He is in critical condition but passed yet. Please pray for him and his family and stop printing inaccurate news."Interestingly, Hussain has also collaborated with her father during their lifetime, leading to a close family bond. Hussain passed away due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis at 5.12 am, a family representative confirmed to mid-day, after he was admitted to the hospital last week.
17 December,2024 10:05 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe music industry is in mourning today after the demise of tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain on December 15, Sunday. The flute wizard Pt. Ronu Majumdar who has worked with Zakir Hussain for many albums and shared the stage for various concerts paid tribute to the tabla maestro. The cause of death was confirmed to be idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease. The news was confirmed by Jon Bleicher of Prospect PR, representing the family. In a video sent by the PR team of Pt. Ronu Majumdar, the flute wizard offered his condolences to the family of Zakir Hussain. "Today is a very sad day for the music world, that Zakir Hussain is no more with us. Our Zakir bhai, the one whom everyone considered their own, how great that artist was, is beyond imagination. He used to make everyone sit near him. I have a lot of memories associated with the whole family. My condolences to all of them. I will miss you always," he said in a self-made video. Ronu Majumdar is among the popular musicians with flute. Apart from his concerts all over India in different music festivals, he also participated in the Festival of India in Moscow and Asiad '82 in New Delhi. He is also known for several collaborations with other leading instrumentalists. Along with the music industry and his colleagues, Ustad Zakir Hussain's demise is been mourned by many Bollywood celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Madhur Bhandarkar and others. Ustad Zakir Hussain's passing marks the end of an era for world music. His extraordinary career spanned almost six decades, during which he elevated the tabla from a supporting instrument in Indian classical music to a central figure in performances worldwide. Known for his virtuosity and emotive expression, Hussain was not just a performer, but a cultural ambassador who bridged the gap between traditional Indian rhythms and global musical genres. Zakir Hussain's contributions to music were recognised by numerous prestigious awards over the years, including the Padma Shri (1988) and Padma Bhushan (2002) from the Indian government, as well as four Grammy Awards. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
17 December,2024 10:05 AM IST | New Delhi | ANIUstad Zakir Hussain, one of the greatest percussionists of all time has passed away at the age of 73 in San Francisco, leaving an irreplaceable void in the world of music. Hussain, a true pioneer of Indian classical music, succumbed to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, as confirmed by Jon Bleicher of Prospect PR, speaking on behalf of the Hussain family. Zakir Hussain's death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, celebrities, and fellow musicians alike. Across social media platforms, messages of condolence and admiration for the tabla virtuoso have flooded in. Musicians, artists, and fans from around the globe have expressed their sorrow and celebrated the musical legacy of a man whose artistry transcended borders. Words fail me at this point. I am completely heartbroken and devastated to hear about Zakir Bhai. Ustad Zakir Hussain was a phenomenon. He was indeed one of the most loved musicians the world saw. pic.twitter.com/QOJG7GrzvV — Amjad Ali Khan (@AAKSarod) December 16, 2024 One of the many, to pay tribute was the renowned sarod maestro, Amjad Ali Khan, who shared several nostalgic photographs of his collaborations with Hussain on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. Alongside the images, Khan wrote, "Words fail me at this point. I am completely heartbroken and devastated to hear about Zakir Bhai. Ustad Zakir Hussain was a phenomenon. He was indeed one of the most loved musicians the world saw." Khan, who had worked closely with Hussain on numerous musical projects, described their collaborations as a fusion of two incredible worlds--his sarod and Hussain's tabla--producing some of the most memorable performances in the history of Indian classical music. Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Zakir Hussain was introduced to music at a very young age, inheriting his immense talent from his father, the legendary Ustad Alla Rakha. He began performing publicly while still a teenager and soon rose to international prominence for his technical brilliance and deep emotional expression on the tabla. Throughout his career, Hussain revolutionised the role of the tabla, transforming it from a supporting instrument to a central figure in performances. His mastery of intricate rhythms, combined with his musical sensitivity, made him one of the most respected and revered musicians worldwide. Zakir Hussain was a trailblazer in fusing Indian classical music with global genres. His collaborations with musical legends such as Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Vilayat Khan in classical settings are iconic. However, it was his groundbreaking partnerships with international musicians that truly elevated his status. As a member of the band 'Shakti' with John McLaughlin, and as a key figure in the Grammy Award-winning 'Planet Drum' project with Mickey Hart, Hussain broke down cultural and musical barriers, blending Indian rhythms with world music in a way that had never been done before. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to music, Zakir Hussain received numerous prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri (1988) and Padma Bhushan (2002) from the Government of India, and four Grammy Awards for his work in world music. His contributions to the arts were also honoured by the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the National Heritage Fellowship in the United States, the highest accolade for traditional artists. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
17 December,2024 10:04 AM IST | New Delhi | ANILegendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away at 73 after succumbing to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in San Francisco in the USA on December 15 leaving many Indians very sad not only in Mumbai but also around the world. Among the many arts and culture venues, he performed at in the city, the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) was always an enriching experience for lovers of music. Expressing their sadness, the NCPA released a statement about the demise of Hussain, who was not only on their council but also closely associated with them. It said, "A towering figure in Hindustani Classical Music, Zakir Hussain's extraordinary talent, grace, and humility left an indelible mark on the world of music. His contributions as a tabla virtuoso and a celebratory composer are unparalleled. His performances at the NCPA were always met with standing ovations from the audience, reflecting the deep admiration and love he garnered from all. A true leader in his field, Zakir Hussain was cherished not only for his musical brilliance but also for his kindness and generosity of spirit. His presence at the NCPA will be dearly missed by all of us, and we join millions of fans worldwide in mourning this irreplaceable loss to the nation and the global music community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this incredibly difficult time." Khushroo N. Suntook, chairman, NCPA, said, "In the tragic passing of Padma Vibhushan Ustad Zakir Hussain, we have lost a universal musician and a fine human being. Not only did the renowned tabla maestro’s musicianship in the Hindustani classical tradition reign supreme, he was also a composer and collaborator par excellence, spanning the genres of Western classical, jazz and world music. Whether through Shakti, the celebrated band, or his recitals where he made the tabla sing, his language of music spoke to the world. His bond with the NCPA goes back to the day it was founded in 1969 when he accompanied his father, the great Ustad Allarakha, on our stage. In between the period he was invited to our Council, his career blossomed into international fame. In July 2015, he became an honoured member of our Council and his deliberations were insightful. He was a mentor and inspiration to future musicians and upheld the true spirit of the guru-shishya tradition by sharing the stage with talented young artistes year after year at the Aadi Anant Festival of Indian Music. He wrote inspiring compositions with a profound message of peace, harmony and universal brotherhood for the Symphony Orchestra of India with which he toured the UK. Those concerts, his mentorship, warm presence and the sound of his tabla will forever remain a treasure of the NCPA. His absence will be severely felt by the Council and the entire staff of the NCPA and the musical world that he adorned so gracefully with modesty and charm. We mourn his loss and send our deep condolences to the members of his family." Dr. Suvarnalata Rao, head, Indian Music, NCPA, shares, "It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of Ustad Zakir Hussain, a true legend whose contributions to the art of tabla will resonate through history. Zakir ji was a versatile maestro whose mastery elevated the craft to great heights. His artistry, passion, and innovation have inspired generations of musicians and listeners alike. Zakir ji has been an ambassador of the Hindustani Classical Music to the world and promoted the richness of the genre to audiences across globally. The NCPA has been very fortunate to have collaborated with him to create unique musical experiences. Beyond his unparalleled skills, Zakir ji's charisma and kindness left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working with him. He was a brilliant team player, always bringing others together through the universal language of music. His humility and generosity of spirit made him not just a great musician, but an extraordinary human being. His loss will be deeply felt, but his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, both through his music and his remarkable character."
17 December,2024 10:04 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
