The Prithvi Theatre hosted the 41st Memorial Concert honoring Ustad Zakir Hussain, reflecting on his legacy after his passing. Musicians including his brothers performed, celebrating his contributions and influence in music. Family members expressed hope to continue this tradition in the future, despite the uncertainty following Hussain’s death.
On March 3, 2025, Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai commemorated a significant event linked to the late Ustad Zakir Hussain, who was a close friend of actress Jennifer Kapoor, co-founder of the venue. Although Jennifer always wished for Hussain to perform at Prithvi, it was not realized during her lifetime. Following her passing in 1984, Hussain and Pandit Shivkumar Sharma honored her memory with a performance on February 28, which coincidentally fell on her birthday.
For nearly four decades, Ustad Zakir Hussain orchestrated the ‘Prithvi Memorial Concert’, contributing to a vibrant tapestry of musical performances featuring both renowned artists and emerging talents from diverse genres. Last year, Hussain performed alongside his brothers, Fazal and Taufiq Qureshi, marking a significant occasion before his untimely demise on December 15, 2024. This year, Fazal expressed the emotional weight as he performed in memory of his brother.
Fazal shared the poignant sentiment that none could have anticipated performing at the memorial concert without Zakir Hussain, yet he felt a profound connection to him through his music. Kunal Kapoor, son of Jennifer and Shashi Kapoor and a trustee of Prithvi Theatre, highlighted Zakir’s unwavering commitment to the concert, stating that even when performance dates shifted, Hussain never cancelled his appearance. His grandson, Zahaan, reflected on the concert as a tribute to Hussain’s enduring legacy.
The memorial concert featured a prelude by young musicians performing Hussain’s composition ‘Sweet Sixteen’ and a subsequent jugalbandi with Fazal on tabla and Rakesh Chaurasia on flute. The evening culminated in a dynamic tribute performance, interspersed with music videos from past memorials, encapsulating Hussain’s vast influence within the music community. The concert ended with a performance of a piece from Hussain’s album ‘Making Music’.
Looking ahead, the future of the memorial concert remains uncertain. Fazal expressed hope to continue this cherished tradition, while Kunal shared sentiments of anticipation, stating, “We hope to hold it next year too, Inshallah.”
The 41st Prithvi Memorial Concert served as a heartfelt tribute to the late Ustad Zakir Hussain, with performances by family and musicians influenced by his legacy. The dedication to maintain this cherished tradition underscores the profound impact Hussain had on the music community. Both family members and performers expressed a commitment to honor his memory and contribute to the cultural fabric of Prithvi Theatre.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
