Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain Passes Away At 73: Details Here

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain died at a hospital in San Francisco, USA on Monday, 16th December, 2024. Hussain passed away due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and complications arising out of it at the age of 73. He was hospitalised since the last two weeks and was later taken to the ICU because his condition deteriorated. He is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, and his daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi. In a statement, his family said: “His prolific work as a teacher, mentor and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians. He hoped to inspire the next generation to go further. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time.”

Zakir Hussain Passes Away: Tributes Pour In

Paying a tribute to Zakir Hussain, Anand Mahindra posted on X, “The rhythm of India paused today…In tribute.🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽#ZakirHussain”

Actor and producer Ritesh Deshmukh posted, "The irreparable loss of Zakir Hussain Sahab is a devastating blow to India and the global music community. Sir, Your music was a gift, a treasure that will continue to inspire and uplift generations to come.
Your legacy will live on. May your soul rest in eternal glory, surrounded by the rhythms and melodies. Condolences to the family and loved ones of the legendary Zakir Hussain Sahab.🙏🏽"

Grammy winner musician Ricky Kej remembered Hussain for his "immense humility, approachable nature". 

"One of the greatest musicians and personalities India has ever produced. Along with being the best himself, Zakirji was known for...being responsible for the careers of numerous musicians, who are now forces to reckon with themselves. He was a treasure trove of skill and knowledge and always shared and encouraged the entire music community through collaborations and his actions. His legacy will live on forever, and his influence will be felt for generations. He left us too soon," Kej wrote on X.

American drummer Nate Smith thanked Hussain for "all of the music you gave us".

Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi paid tributes to the "irreplaceable legend"

"The world of music will be lesser without Tabla Maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and his fans all around the world. My prayers, Om Shanti," she wrote in a post on X

Zakir Hussain Passes Away: A Brief History

Hussain, who is regarded as the greatest tabla player of his generation, is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola and his daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi. Born on March 9, 1951, he is the son of legendary tabla master Ustad Alla Rakha.

"He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come," the statement read.

In his career spanning six decades, the musician worked with several renowned international and Indian artistes, but it was his 1973 musical project with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar, and percussionist TH 'Vikku' Vinayakram that brought together Indian classical and elements of jazz in a fusion hitherto unknown.

Starting early at the age of seven, he went on to collaborate with virtually all of India's iconic performers, including Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan and Shivkumar Sharma in his career.

His groundbreaking work with Western musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma, Charles Lloyd, Bla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Mickey Hart, and George Harrison brought Indian classical music to an international audience, cementing his status as a global cultural ambassador.

Hussain has received four Grammy Awards in his career, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year.

The percussionist, one of India's most celebrated classical musicians, received the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023. Zakir Hussain had his early education from St. Michael's School in Mahim and did his graduation from St Xavier's College, both in Mumbai. 

In another interview, Zakir Hussain had recalled an incident when he was 12 years old. He had gone to a concert with his father. Music stalwarts like Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Bismillah Khan, Pandit Shanta Prasad and Pandit Kishan Maharaj were also present at that concert.

Eight years ago, tabla maestro Zakir Hussain had narrated how his father Alla Rakha had welcomed him into this world by putting the musical instrument's rhythms into his ears when asked to recite prayers.

Mumbai-born Zakir Hussain passed away at a hospital in San Francisco due to complications arising out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, his family said on Monday.

Zakir Hussain spoke of his father holding him in his arms for the first time. Alla Rakha was an accomplished tabla player and a frequent accompanist of iconic sitar player Pandit Ravi Shankar.

(With PTI Inputs)

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