San Francisco: Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away at a hospital in San Francisco in US on Sunday, his family said on Monday.
He was 73.
Renowned for his unparalleled artistry and global influence, the Tabla legend succumbed to complications stemming from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
According to his family, Hussain’s condition had deteriorated in the recent days, leading to his admission in hospital ICU, where he died while undergoing treatment.
Zakir Hussain’s illustrious career was marked by numerous accolades that celebrated his unparalleled contribution to the world of music. In India, he was honoured with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1990, followed by the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (Ratna Sadsya) in 2018, the highest recognition conferred by the Government of India in the performing arts.
On the international stage, Hussain was the recipient of the United States National Endowment for the Arts’ National Heritage Fellowship in 1999, the highest honor awarded to traditional artists and musicians in the U.S.
His remarkable talent earned him a staggering seven Grammy Award nominations, with four wins, including three Grammys in February 2024 alone.
The Tabla maestro made history with the Planet Drum album (1991), which won the 1992 Grammy Award for Best World Music Album, the first-ever Grammy in this category. His collaborative album Global Drum Project later secured the Grammy for Best Contemporary World Music Album at the 51st Grammy Awards Ceremony in February 2009.
Tributes poured in across the globe following the tragic news, with luminaries from the music world and beyond lamenting over the void left behind.
India Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the musical legend through a post on X. He said “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.”
Actor Kamal Haasan took to X sharing a picture, “Zakir Bhai ! He left too soon. Yet we are grateful for the times he gave us and what he left behind in the form of his art. Goodbye and Thank you.”
Musical genius AR Rahman shared a post on X, the caption read: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.
Zakir Bhai was an inspiration, a towering personality who elevated the tabla to global acclaim. His loss is immeasurable for all of us. I regret not being able to collaborate with him as much as we did decades ago, though we had planned an album together. You shall be truly missed. May his family and his countless students worldwide find the strength to bear this immense loss #ZakirHussain,” Rahman said.
UNI