Legendary Indian Tabla Artist Ustad Zakir Hussain Passes Away at 73
Legendary Indian Tabla Artist Ustad Zakir Hussain
Ustad Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla master and composer, died on Monday, December 16, 2024, at the age of 73. He had been struggling with heart and blood pressure problems.
Earlier on Sunday, Ustad Zakir Hussain was admitted to the ICU in San Francisco’s hospital. He had having heart problems, as confirmed by his friend and flutist Rakesh Chaurasia. His manager, Nirmala Bachani, shared that Hussain had been receiving treatment for heart issues for the past two weeks.
Zakir Hussain born into a family of great musicians. He is the eldest son of Ustad Allah Rakha. Zakir Hussain became one of India’s most famous classical musicians. His career lasted more than 60 years. He won won five Grammy Awards, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year.
In 1973, Hussain worked with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L. Shankar, and percussionist T.H. ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram. They mixed Indian classical music with jazz and attracted fans worldwide.
The Indian Government recognized his contributions to the music. The Government of India honored him, with the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023. He is a key figure in India’s cultural history.
PM Modi mourns the loss of tabla legend Ustad Zakir Hussain :
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the legendary tabla master Ustad Zakir Hussain, who passed away on December 15, 2024, at the age of 73 in San Francisco, California.
He said in his tweets “Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary tabla maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain Ji. He will be remembered as a true genius who revolutionized the world of Indian classical music. He also brought the tabla to the global stage, captivating millions with his unparalleled rhythm. Through this, he seamlessly blended Indian classical traditions with global music, thus becoming an icon of cultural unity.
His iconic performances and soulful compositions will contribute to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers alike. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the global music community.”
Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary tabla maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain Ji. He will be remembered as a true genius who revolutionized the world of Indian classical music. He also brought the tabla to the global stage, captivating millions with his unparalleled rhythm.…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2024
Ustad Zakir Hussain Biography :
Ustad Zakir Hussain was born on 9 March 1951 in Mumbai (officially known then as Bombay), India. He had done his schooling from St. Michael’s High School in Mahim and graduated from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. Zakir hussain’s full name was Zakir Hussain Allarakha Qureshi.
Zakir Hussain is magician of tabla, many calls him king of tabla.
Ustad Zakir Hussain was living San Anselmo, a town just north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate bridge.
Zakir Hussain married to Kathak dancer Antonia Minnecola in 1978. They dated almost eight years. However, the music legend’s mother was not happy with their relationship and did not approve of the marriage at first.
Father of Tabla :
Alla Rakha, Zakir Hussain’s father, is known as one of the greatest tabla players in the world. Zakir Hussain has continued this tradition, becoming one of the top Indian percussionists. He was an important figure in the world of modern music.
Ustad Zakir Hussain’s contribution to Indian music will inspire generations around the world.
