THOSE magical fingers inspired thousands of young Indians to take up the tabla, and his brilliance and stage persona made him a favourite among serious listeners. For years, Ustad Zakir Hussain remained not only one of the most popular artistes of his generation, but also an ambassador of Indian music on the global arena.

Hussain, who passed away at 73 in San Francisco due to complications arising out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, leaves behind a rich and magnificent legacy, and an ocean of memories. Whether one knew him personally, saw him in concert or just listened to his recordings, there was something special about the maestro. It wasn’t only in the music, but also the way he conducted himself, greeting everyone warmly irrespective of their age or status. His bouncing hair, sartorial sense and quick wit added to the aura, and his appearance in the Taj Mahal tea ad campaign made him a household name.