Legendary Indian Tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain passes away at 73

Zakir Hussain, an iconic figure in Indian classical music and the global ambassador of Tabla, passed away at 73 due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung condition. The celebrated artist breathed his last in a San Francisco hospital on Dec 15, as confirmed by his family.

He had been hospitalized for the past two weeks and was subsequently moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as his condition worsened.

Throughout his six-decade career, the musician collaborated with several renowned international and Indian artists. However, it was his 1973 musical project with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L. Shankar, and percussionist T.H. ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram that uniquely blended Indian classical music with elements of jazz, creating a fusion that had not been seen before.

In a heartfelt statement, the family emphasized his legacy: "His prolific work as a teacher, mentor, and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians. He hoped to inspire the next generation to go further. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, on X (formerly twitter), "Zakir Hussain Ji’s passing is a huge loss for the world of music and culture. His music transcended borders and brought joy to millions. Om Shanti." Other tributes from renowned personalities in the music industry and beyond highlighted his unparalleled contributions to art and culture.

Indian former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar tweeted, "The curtains have fallen, but the beats will continue to echo in our hearts forever. If his hands delivered the rhythms, his smiling face and humble persona conveyed a melody - always respectful to everyone around him, putting them at ease. Rest in peace, Ustad Zakir Hussain."cricketer

Born in 1951 in Mumbai, Hussain was the son of legendary tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha, who began teaching him the instrument at the age of seven. Recognized as a child prodigy, he started performing with classical legends in his teenage years and later achieved global recognition.

Hussain’s career spanned over six decades, featuring collaborations with artists like George Harrison, Van Morrison, and Yo-Yo Ma, among others. His jazz-fusion band Shakti, co-founded in 1973 with guitarist John McLaughlin, introduced an innovative blend of Indian classical and Western jazz to international audiences.

His achievements include four Grammy wins, the most recent in 2024, where he became the first Indian musician to win three awards in a single year. Notably, he earned recognition for Shakti'sBest Global Music Album and two collaborations in other categories. Earlier, he received a Grammy in 2009.

Apart from his musical pursuits, Hussain scored films, acted in notable projects like Heat and Dust, and became a cultural icon in India through his work in advertisements, such as being the face of Taj Mahal tea.

In 2023, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honor, recognizing his lifelong contributions to music.

Hussain is survived by his wife, two daughters, his sister, and two brothers.

With his exceptional skill and innovation, Zakir Hussain revolutionized tabla playing and bridged the gap between Indian classical music and global audiences. His legacy will continue to inspire musicians worldwide, ensuring his place as a timeless cultural icon.