When Netizens Hailed Zakir Hussain’s Final Tribute As Pallbearer To Friend Pandit Shivkumar Sharma: 'This Is My India'

In May 2022, Ustad Zakir Hussain served as a pallbearer at the funeral of Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, his long-time friend and musical companion.

New Delhi: Indian classical music giant and internationally acclaimed tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain died on Monday at the age of 73. The news was confirmed by Hussain's family, saying that he passed away from a lung ailment known as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Zakir Hussain was renowned for his tabla skills and his ability to connect Indian classical music with listeners throughout the world. 

Zakir Hussain suffered a personal loss in May 2022 with the passing of a fellow maestro and his close friend Pandit Shivkumar Sharma. After the death of the renowned santoor virtuoso from a heart attack, Hussain was entrusted with the responsibility of paying respect to him as a pallbearer at his cremation.

A moving picture of Zakir Hussain, who stood sadly and witnessed his friend's cremation, went viral at that time. Watching Hussain, his sorrow visible even through his mask, stand beside his friend's funeral pyre affected many. 

Social media users' emotional responses to the photo were overwhelming. "Ustad Zakir Hussain at Pandit Shivkumar Sharma's funeral, sending off a friend of many decades," one Twitter user remarked. 

A user said, “A photo that epitomises the idea of India. Ustad Zakir Hussain shouldering the remains of his friend Ustad Shiv Kumar." Another user agreed, “Yes, This is my india.”

"Karmic duties towards each other for this birth are complete," tweeted a user, who adopted a more spiritual stance.

Zakir Hussain's final farewell to Pandit Shivkumar Sharma will be etched in our memories forever.

Pandit Shivkumar Sharma and Zakir Hussain's Friendship 

Zakir Hussain and Shivkumar Sharma had a special connection as artists, and it had been going strong for decades. One of the most famous performances they gave together was in 1979 at the Rang Bhawan in Mumbai, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the santoor's debut to Indian classical music. A timeless classic, the performance of Raag Kirwani by the pair showcased the seamless interplay between the tabla and santoor.

In addition to their shared professional ties, Hussain had a strong personal relationship with Shivkumar Sharma. Ustad Alla Rakha, Hussain's father, had been an early collaborator of Sharma's, helping to shape the santoor's rhythmic background.