Mumbai, December 15, 2025 – Veteran actor Jackie Shroff has paid a heartfelt tribute to the legendary tabla maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain, on his first death anniversary. Shroff remembered the iconic musician's immense contribution to Indian classical music and his global impact through a touching message on social media.
Taking to his Instagram stories, Jackie Shroff shared a monochrome image of Ustad Zakir Hussain, with the caption: "Remembering… Ustad Zakir Hussain ji on his death anniversary". This simple yet poignant message resonated with fans and followers, highlighting the deep respect and admiration Shroff held for the late tabla virtuoso.
Ustad Zakir Hussain, widely regarded as the greatest tabla player of his generation and one of the finest percussionists, passed away on December 15, 2024, in San Francisco, California, due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis at the age of 73. His death marked the end of an era for Indian classical music.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ustad Zakir Hussain produced music across multiple genres, playing a pivotal role in popularizing Indian classical music on a global scale. He was not only a master of the tabla but also a visionary who fearlessly experimented with diverse musical forms, bridging cultural gaps and captivating audiences worldwide.
Ustad Zakir Hussain's contributions to the world of music were recognized with numerous accolades, including the United States National Endowment for the Arts' National Heritage Fellowship, the highest award given to traditional artists and musicians. He was also honored with the Government of India's Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1990 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship, Ratna Sadsya, in 2018. His talent and dedication earned him nine Grammy Award nominations, with four wins, including three in 2024.
Jackie Shroff's tribute serves as a reminder of Ustad Zakir Hussain's enduring legacy and the profound impact he had on the world of music. It underscores the importance of remembering and celebrating the contributions of iconic figures who have enriched our cultural heritage.
On the professional front, Jackie Shroff was recently seen in the comedy thriller "Housefull 5," which boasts an ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Fardeen Khan, Shreyas Talpade, Nana Patekar, Dino Morea, Jacqueline Fernandez, Nargis Fakhri, Chitrangada Singh, Sonam Bajwa, Soundarya Sharma, Chunky Pandey, Nikitin Dheer, and Johnny Lever.
