Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain, Padma Vibhushan and Four-Time Grammy Winner, Passes Away at 73
New Delhi: Legendary tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain passed away on Sunday in San Francisco, USA, at the age of 73. Hussain, who had been battling idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, spent his final weeks in intensive care, according to a statement from his family. His sister, Khurshid Aulia, confirmed that he passed away peacefully after life support was withdrawn.
Hussain, widely regarded as one of the greatest tabla players of all time, leaves behind his wife, Antonia Minnecola, and daughters, Anisa and Isabella Qureshi. Born on March 9, 1951, to the iconic tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha, Hussain carved a distinctive legacy that bridged Indian classical music and global contemporary genres.
A Global Legacy Spanning Six Decades
Zakir Hussain’s illustrious career spanned over six decades, marked by collaborations with legendary Indian artists like Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, and Shivkumar Sharma. His groundbreaking work extended to Western music, where he partnered with luminaries such as Yo-Yo Ma, Charles Lloyd, and George Harrison. Notably, his 1973 fusion project with John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar, and percussionist TH “Vikku” Vinayakram pioneered the melding of Indian classical music with jazz.
His contributions earned him four Grammy Awards, including three earlier this year at the 66th Grammy Awards. Recognized for his extraordinary artistry, Hussain was honored with the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and India’s second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan, in 2023.
Tributes Pour In for a Musical Legend
Condolences and tributes flooded social media as news of Hussain’s demise broke. Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej lauded him as a “treasure trove of skill and knowledge,” while American drummer Nate Smith expressed gratitude for his musical contributions.
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta called Hussain “the man who made the tabla sexy,” bringing what was once seen as a supporting instrument to the forefront. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan hailed him as a “custodian of classical traditions,” and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge described him as a “cultural ambassador who bridged borders and generations with his mesmerising rhythms.”
A Lasting Influence on the World of Music
Zakir Hussain’s artistry not only elevated the tabla but also expanded the global appreciation for Indian classical music. As the world mourns the loss of this irreplaceable maestro, his influence and legacy will continue to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers.
