Ustad Zakir Hussain passes away at 73

Tabla Maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain performs during a concert. File.
| Photo Credit: Sandeep Saxena

Renowned tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away on Sunday (December 15, 2024) at the age of 73.

The eldest son of legendary tabla player Allah Rakha, Hussain had followed in the footsteps of his father, becoming a marquee name in India and across the world. Hussain received five Grammy Awards in his career, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year.

According to his manager, Hussain had been suffering from heart related ailments, and had been admitted to a hospital in San Francisco for treatement.

Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum, with Chief Ministers of Assam, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh remembering the legacy left behind by Hussain.

Congress chief Mallikargun Kharge called Hussain a “cultural ambassador who bridged borders and generations with his mesmerising rhythms.”

In his career spanning six decades, the musician worked with several renowned international and Indian artistes, but it was his 1973 musical project with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar, and percussionist TH ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram that brought together Indian classical and elements of jazz in a fusion hitherto unknown. 

Also read: Zakir Hussain: ‘The student must inspire the teacher to teach’

The percussionist, one of India’s most celebrated classical musicians, received the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.

(With PTI inputs)