Renowned tabla maestro and five-time Grammy Award winner Zakir Hussain has passed away at a hospital in San Francisco, as confirmed by his family. Zakir Hussain had been hospitalised and lost his battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. A true icon of Indian classical music, Zakir Hussain’s extraordinary talent and contributions to music made him one of the most respected figures in the global music scene. His untimely death has left the music world in mourning.
Earlier on Sunday, December 15, 2024, his close friend, flautist Rakesh Chaurasia, shared that the tabla legend had been admitted to the ICU in San Francisco hospital due to heart-related issues.
Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain Passes Away At 73
Zakir Hussain had been in the hospital for two weeks and was moved to the ICU as his condition worsened. There were reports of his death on Sunday, but his family quickly denied them, confirming that he was still alive at the time.
On Monday morning, December 16, 2024, a statement from his family confirmed to India Today, “Zakir Hussain, one of the world’s most transcendent musicians, passed away from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in San Francisco at the age of 73”.
The family also said, “He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come”. (as per India Today report)
About Ustad Zakir Hussain
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Ustad Zakir Hussain, the son of the legendary tabla master Ustad Alla Rakha Khan, was a well-known figure in both Indian and international music. He was a tabla player, composer, percussionist, and music producer and was considered one of the greatest tabla players of all time. He was born on 9 March 1951 in Mumbai. He went to St. Michael's High School in Mahim and later graduated from St. Xavier's College in Mumbai. He started learning the tabla at just seven years old and performed across India when he was 12. Over his career, he made significant contributions to both Indian classical music and global music.
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Ustad Zakir Hussain's Achievements
Ustad Zakir Hussain composed music for many well-known Indian and international movies, showcasing his incredible tabla skills. About forty years ago, he moved to San Francisco with his family, where he continued to play an important role in global music.
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Throughout his remarkable career, he received numerous awards, both in India and abroad. In 1999, he received the National Heritage Fellowship from the United States National Endowment for the Arts, the highest honor for traditional artists and musicians. The Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023. In 1990, he also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, India's highest honour in music.
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In 1999, he received the National Heritage Fellowship from the United States National Endowment for the Arts, the highest honor for traditional artists and musicians. This year, at the 66th Grammy Awards, he made history by becoming the first Indian to win three Grammy trophies in one night.
About Ustad Zakir Hussain's Family
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Zakir Hussain, son of the legendary tabla master Ustad Allarakha, is considered the greatest tabla player of his time. Tabla master Ustad Allarakha is considered as the greatest tabla player of his time. His wife Antonia Minnecola is a Kathak dancer and teacher, who was also his manager. They had two daughters named Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi. He was also survived by his brothers Taufiq and Fazal Qureshi, and his sister Khurshid Aulia.
Tributes And Condolences
Tributes have poured in from around the world, with fans, fellow musicians, and celebrities honouring Zakir Hussain's memory.
Kareena Kapoor shared an old photo on her Instagram story featuring herself, Zakir Hussain, and her father Randhir Kapoor, and wrote, “Maestro forever.”
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Ranveer Singh posted an old black and white photo of Zakir playing the tabla on Instagram and wrote, “♥️🧿🙏🏽 #Maestro #UstadZakirHussain”
The rhythm of India paused today…
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) December 15, 2024
In tribute.
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽#ZakirHussain
pic.twitter.com/eknPqw4uKM
Business tycoon Anand Mahindra also shared a video of Zakir Hussain playing Tabla with the caption, “The rhythm of India paused today…
In tribute.
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
#ZakirHussain”
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar also posted a picture of Zakir Hussain on his Instagram and wrote, “Very pained to know about the sad demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain Saab. He was truly a treasure for our country’s musical heritage. Om Shanti.”
The music world has lost a true legend, but his spirit will forever echo in the beats of the tabla and countless musicians he inspired.
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Image credit:Zakir Hussain/ Instagram
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