The world of music has suffered an irreparable loss with the passing of tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain. The legendary percussionist, known for his unparalleled mastery of the tabla and his ability to transcend cultural and musical boundaries, died at the age of 73 in a hospital in San Francisco, United States.
His family, in a heartfelt statement, revealed that Hussain succumbed to complications arising from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive lung disease. He had been in hospital care for the past two weeks, and his condition worsened, leading to his transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU). According to his sister, Khurshid Aulia, Hussain passed away peacefully on Monday after being taken off life support. His passing occurred at 4 PM San Francisco time.
Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Zakir Hussain was destined to become a legend. He was the son of the renowned tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha, who himself was a towering figure in Indian classical music. Under the guidance of his father, Zakir Hussain began his musical journey at an early age and went on to become one of the most celebrated percussionists of all time. Starting to perform at just seven years old, Hussain’s rise to prominence was swift and extraordinary.
A Career That Redefined Music
Spanning over six decades, Zakir Hussain’s illustrious career not only elevated the tabla as a solo instrument but also pushed the boundaries of music through his groundbreaking collaborations. He worked with some of the most iconic names in Indian classical music, including Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, and Pandit Shivkumar Sharma. His contributions to Indian classical music are monumental, but it was his ability to fuse Indian traditions with global sounds that truly set him apart.
Hussain’s 1973 collaboration with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar, and percussionist T.H. ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram under the group Shakti was a defining moment in global music history. The project introduced a revolutionary fusion of Indian classical music and jazz, creating an entirely new genre that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Beyond India, Hussain collaborated with legendary Western musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma, George Harrison, Charles Lloyd, Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead. These collaborations not only brought Indian classical music to global audiences but also cemented Hussain’s status as an international cultural ambassador.
Awards and Global Recognition
Ustad Zakir Hussain’s contributions to music earned him countless accolades. He was a recipient of the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023 — three of India’s highest civilian honors. His ability to blend classical traditions with modernity also earned him immense recognition on the global stage.
Hussain won four Grammy Awards during his lifetime, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year. His awards recognized his extraordinary ability to innovate while staying true to his roots. Zakir Hussain became a beacon of Indian classical music and a pioneer in creating connections between Indian and global musical traditions.
Tributes Pour In
The news of Zakir Hussain’s passing sent shockwaves through the global music community. Musicians, political leaders, and fans from around the world paid heartfelt tributes to the maestro.
Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej described Zakir Hussain as not only a genius but also a pillar of support for the global music community. He praised Hussain for his humility and his dedication to encouraging other musicians. “One of the greatest musicians and personalities India has ever produced… His legacy will live on forever, and his influence will be felt for generations. He left us too soon,” Kej shared on social media.
American drummer Nate Smith expressed his gratitude, writing, “Thank you for all of the music you gave us.”
Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi mourned the loss of an “irreplaceable legend,” while filmmaker Hansal Mehta credited Hussain for revolutionizing the role of the tabla. “The man who made the tabla sexy, who brought an accompanying instrument to the forefront, is gone,” Mehta wrote, reflecting the profound influence Hussain had on popularizing the instrument.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan paid homage to Hussain as a “true custodian of classical traditions,” emphasizing his pivotal role in popularizing Indian music across the globe. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge described Zakir Hussain as a “cultural ambassador who bridged borders and generations with his mesmerising rhythms.”
A Legacy That Will Resonate Forever
Zakir Hussain’s contributions to music extend far beyond his performances. He was not just a virtuoso tabla player but also a teacher, mentor, and innovator. His passion for music led him to explore uncharted territories, making the tabla a celebrated instrument in the global music landscape. His ability to bridge cultures and genres inspired generations of musicians and music lovers alike.
Hussain is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, a respected Kathak dancer and teacher, and their two daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi. His family, in their statement, described him as leaving behind “an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come.”
The tabla legend’s passing marks the end of an era, but his music will continue to echo in concert halls, recordings, and the hearts of millions around the world. Zakir Hussain’s life was a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and unite people across cultures. From his early days as a young tabla prodigy under the tutelage of his father to his groundbreaking collaborations on global stages, Zakir Hussain’s journey was nothing short of extraordinary.
As the world mourns his loss, we are reminded of the incredible gift he gave us: music that inspired, connected, and elevated the human spirit.