A remarkable celebration of life of Ustad Zakir Hussain

New York, NY — The Asia Society & Sneh Arts came together to host a heartfelt memorial tribute in honor of the legendary Ustad Zakir Hussain, in collaboration with Sound Traditions. The event brought together an extraordinary assembly of cultural leaders, admirers and local musicians who celebrated his unparalleled legacy through stories, shared memories, and music.

The program commenced with inspiring opening remarks by Rachel Cooper (Asia Society), Sunny Thakkar (Sneh Arts & Sneh Arts Foundation), and Shruti Rawoot (Sound Traditions). Their reflections set the tone for an evening of deep gratitude and admiration for Ustad Zakir Hussain’s monumental contributions to music and culture.

The opening musical offering was a deeply spiritual moment, featuring a harmonious blend of:

Shruti Rawoot’s serene rendition of Dhrupad Bandish.

Amira Dvorah’s moving Islamic prayers.

Deepak Kumar’s soul-stirring Sanskrit peace prayer accompanied by the tanpura.

A curated video tribute captured key milestones of Zakir ji’s illustrious career, evoking emotions among the audience as they witnessed his journey through sound and artistry.

The memorial brought forth heartfelt reflections from esteemed members of the community. Speakers shared personal anecdotes and professional insights into Zakir ji’s life, influence, and enduring impact.

The tribute continued with mesmerizing performances by:

Avirodh Sharma (tabla) and Rohan Misra (sarangi) in a special dedication to Zakir ji.

Amira Dvorah shared some personal funny stories and music with a moving flute performance.

The program concluded with a final video of Zakir ji speaking about being one with his instrument and the magic that happens when their spirits meet. It created a powerful closing moment that resonated with all in attendance.

This memorial event would not have been possible without the partnership of the Asia Society, the dedication of Sneh Arts in collaboration with Sound Traditions, and the active participation of the community.

About the Hosts:

Sneh Arts (@snehartsny): A New York-based arts organization founded by Sunny Thakkar, dedicated to preserving and promoting Indian music, dance, and culture.

Sound Traditions: Co-founded by Shruti Rawoot, promoting “Baithak Style” concerts and sparking cultural innovation through Indian classical music.

Asia Society Museum: A leading institution fostering global understanding through arts and education.