Legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away at 73 after succumbing to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in San Francisco in the USA on December 15 leaving many Indians very sad not only in Mumbai but also around the world. Among the many arts and culture venues, he performed at in the city, the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) was always an enriching experience for lovers of music. 

Expressing their sadness, the NCPA released a statement about the demise of Hussain, who was not only on their council but also closely associated with them. It said, "A towering figure in Hindustani Classical Music, Zakir Hussain's extraordinary talent, grace, and humility left an indelible mark on the world of music. His contributions as a tabla virtuoso and a celebratory composer are unparalleled. His performances at the NCPA were always met with standing ovations from the audience, reflecting the deep admiration and love he garnered from all. A true leader in his field, Zakir Hussain was cherished not only for his musical brilliance but also for his kindness and generosity of spirit. His presence at the NCPA will be dearly missed by all of us, and we join millions of fans worldwide in mourning this irreplaceable loss to the nation and the global music community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this incredibly difficult time."