New Delhi: Legendary tabla virtuoso Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away on Monday in a hospital in San Francisco, USA. He was 73. Hussain succumbed to complications arising from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, as confirmed by his family in a heartfelt statement. The maestro had been hospitalized for the past two weeks and was moved to the intensive care unit after his condition worsened.
“He passed away very peacefully after the ventilation machine was switched off at 4 pm San Francisco time,” said his sister, Khurshid Aulia.
Born on March 9, 1951, to tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha, Zakir Hussain is celebrated as the greatest tabla player of his generation. His passing marks the end of an era in Indian classical music. He is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, and daughters Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.
In a career spanning six decades, Zakir Hussain’s contributions to music were unparalleled. His groundbreaking collaborations with legends like Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, and Shivkumar Sharma enriched Indian classical music. Internationally, his work with icons such as Yo-Yo Ma, Charles Lloyd, and George Harrison brought global recognition to Indian music.
Hussain’s legacy was cemented with numerous accolades, including four Grammy Awards. His 1973 fusion project with John McLaughlin, L Shankar, and TH Vinayakram broke new ground, blending Indian classical music with jazz.
The maestro was honored with India’s highest civilian awards—the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.
Tributes poured in from around the globe as news of Hussain’s demise spread. Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej described him as a “treasure trove of skill and knowledge,” while filmmaker Hansal Mehta credited him with bringing the tabla to the forefront of music.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan hailed him as “a beacon of India’s rich musical heritage,” and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called him a “cultural ambassador who bridged borders and generations with his mesmerising rhythms.”
Zakir Hussain’s passing is an irreplaceable loss to the world of music and culture. His influence will resonate through generations, ensuring that his legacy as a global musical icon lives on.
