According to his family, tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away in a San Francisco, California, hospital on Monday. He was seventy-three. According to a statement from his family, Zakir Hussain passed away due to complications brought on by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
After his condition worsened, he was sent to the intensive care unit (ICU) after spending the previous two weeks in the hospital. “Very peacefully” was how Hussain’s sister Khurshid Aulia described his death. “He passed away very peacefully after the ventilation machine was switched off. This was 4 pm San Francisco time,” she told news agency.
Zakir Hussain, who is regarded as the best tabla musician of his time, is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, and his daughters, Isabella and Anisa Qureshi. He was the son of renowned tabla teacher Ustad Alla Rakha and was born on March 9, 1951.
The family said in its statement, “He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come.” In a career spanning six decades, Hussain worked with several renowned international and Indian artistes but it was his 1973 project with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar and percussionist TH ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram that brought together Indian classical music and elements of jazz in a hitherto-unknown fusion.
He began working with almost all of India’s most famous performers at the age of seven, including Shivkumar Sharma, Ali Akbar Khan, and Ravi Shankar. His reputation as a global cultural ambassador was cemented by his innovative collaborations with Western musicians Yo-Yo Ma, Charles Lloyd, Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Mickey Hart, and George Harrison, which introduced Indian classical music to a worldwide audience.
Earlier this year, at the 66th Grammy Awards event, Zakir Hussain won three of his four Grammy Awards.
One of the most renowned classical musicians in India, the drummer was awarded the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023. Social media was inundated with condolence messages as word of Hussain’s passing spread.
Grammy-winning 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, Zakir ji was known for… being responsible for the careers of numerous musicians, who are now forces to reckon with themselves,” Mr Kej said in a post on X.
“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,” he added.
American drummer Nate Smith thanked Hussain for “all of the music you gave us”.
Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also paid tribute, describing Hussain as an “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 said on X.
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta credited Hussain for bringing “an accompanying instrument to the forefront”.
“The maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away a few hours ago. Goodbye Ustad ji. The man who made the tabla sexy, who brought an accompanying instrument to the forefront is gone. Deepest condolences to his family, fans and students around the globe,” Mr Mehta said.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called the percussionist “a beacon of India’s rich musical heritage and a true custodian of classical traditions”.
“Ustad Zakir Hussain was instrumental in popularising Indian music across the globe, serving as a beacon of India’s rich musical heritage. A true custodian of classical traditions, his contributions to the arts remain unparalleled. His passing is a monumental loss to culture and humanity. Heartfelt condolences to his loved ones,” Mr Vijayan said.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge offered his condolences to Hussain’s family and described him as a “cultural ambassador who bridged borders and generations with his mesmerising rhythms.”
“With remarkable performances and collaborations, the Padma Vibhushan tabla maestro and percussionist magnificently carried on his father’s legacy. This is demonstrated by the many national and international awards he has received,” Mr. Kharge stated.
