Prithvi Theatre Hosts 41st Memorial Concert Honoring Ustad Zakir Hussain

The Prithvi Memorial Concert, established in 1985 to honor Ustad Zakir Hussain, continues to thrive even after his passing in December 2023. The recent concert featured performances from renowned musicians, reflecting Hussain’s lasting legacy within the music community. Attendees and performers alike express hope for the concert’s future, aiming to preserve Hussain’s musical tradition.

Ustad Zakir Hussain’s connection with Mumbai’s Prithvi Theatre traces back to its inception, thanks to actor Jennifer Kapoor. Although she wished for him to perform there during her lifetime, it wasn’t until after her passing that Hussain took the stage on February 28, Jennifer’s birthday, in 1985. This event marked the beginning of what has become known as the Prithvi Memorial Concert, held annually for 39 years, with Hussain at the helm until his recent death on December 15, 2023.

Fazal Qureshi, Zakir Hussain’s brother and a renowned percussionist, recalled the poignant atmosphere of this year’s concert, which served as a tribute to Hussain. “No one had ever imagined that we would be performing without Zakir Bhai this year. However, I feel Zakir Bhai’s presence whenever I am playing tabla,” shared Fazal. The concert, celebrating Hussain’s legacy, continued to draw crowds eager to honor his contributions to music.

Hussain consistently held his ‘date’ with Prithvi Theatre across the years, featuring a diverse lineup of musicians that showcased both established and emerging talents. Kunal Kapoor, one of the theatre’s trustees and Jennifer’s son, noted, “In some years, the concert date was changed, but Zakir Hussain never canceled it.” The tradition holds great importance, underlining the commitment to keep Hussain’s spirit alive through music.

The recent concert featured performances from numerous musicians, including Fazal and flautist Rakesh Chaurasia. They opened with a jugalbandi, followed by an energetic tribute performance by another artist. Many performers present had collaborated with Hussain over the years. The event concluded with a rendition of Hussain’s piece from his album ‘Making Music’, showcasing the enduring influence of his work.

Looking to the future, there’s uncertainty regarding the continuation of the memorial concert next year. “We hope to keep this tradition alive. However, we don’t know what is going to happen next year,” said Fazal, expressing the sentiment shared by many. The desire to honor Ustad Zakir Hussain’s legacy remains strong, reflecting a mutual hope for future gatherings in his memory.

The Prithvi Memorial Concert, honoring the legacy of Ustad Zakir Hussain, has become a cherished tradition since its inception in 1985. Despite his passing, the concert continues to celebrate his influence in the music world. Performers and attendees express a collective dedication to maintaining this tradition and honoring Hussain’s profound impact on music, with hopes for future concerts that keep his spirit alive.

Original Source: indianexpress.com