The world of music is in mourning as tabla legend Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away at the age of 73 on Sunday in San Francisco, USA. He was suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a rare lung disease, and had been hospitalized for the past two weeks. His family confirmed that he passed away peacefully after being shifted to the ICU when his condition worsened.
Born on March 9, 1951, Ustad Zakir Hussain was the son of legendary tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha. A child prodigy, Zakir Hussain started performing at the age of 12 and went on to become one of the most iconic figures in Indian classical music.
A Global Cultural Ambassador
Zakir Hussain was more than just a tabla player; he was a global cultural ambassador who brought Indian classical music to the world stage. Known for his innovative spirit, he collaborated with legends like Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, and Shivkumar Sharma. His groundbreaking projects with Western musicians like John McLaughlin, Yo-Yo Ma, George Harrison, and Mickey Hart seamlessly blended Indian rhythms with global music, creating timeless masterpieces.
An Unparalleled Legacy
Over a career spanning six decades, Zakir Hussain received numerous accolades, including:
•Four Grammy Awards, making him the first Indian to win three Grammys in a single night (March 2024).
•Padma Shri (1988), Padma Bhushan (2002), and Padma Vibhushan (2023).
•The National Heritage Fellowship (1999) in the USA, the country’s highest honor for traditional artists.
•The Aga Khan Award (2022) for his contributions to musical heritage and social impact.
Zakir Hussain was not just a performer but also a mentor, inspiring countless musicians. His iconic collaborations included groups like Shakti, Remember Shakti, and the Global Drum Project, showcasing his ability to blend tradition with modernity.
Condolences Pour In
Tributes have poured in from across the globe:
•Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej called him a “treasure trove of skill and knowledge.”
•Filmmaker Hansal Mehta described him as the man who “made the tabla sexy” and brought it to the forefront.
•Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan hailed him as “a beacon of India’s rich musical heritage.”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge praised him for “bridging borders and generations with his mesmerizing rhythms.”
A Loss Beyond Words
Ustad Zakir Hussain is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, and daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi, along with his siblings. His family, in an official statement, requested privacy and described his legacy as one that “will resonate for generations to come.”
As we bid farewell to a maestro who redefined music, Ustad Zakir Hussain’s rhythms will echo in the hearts of millions forever.
A legend has departed, but his music lives on.