Renowned tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, celebrated globally for his contributions to Indian classical music and cross-cultural collaborations, passed away in a hospital in San Francisco, US, on Monday. He was 73.
Hussain succumbed to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis after a two-week hospitalization. His condition had deteriorated, leading to his transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU).
Hussain’s sister, Khurshid Aulia, confirmed his peaceful passing. “He passed away very peacefully after the ventilation machine was switched off. This was 4 pm San Francisco time,” she told PTI.
Born on March 9, 1951, Hussain was the son of legendary tabla virtuoso Ustad Alla Rakha. Over a six-decade-long career, he became one of the greatest tabla players of his generation, earning acclaim both in India and abroad. He is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, and daughters, Anisa and Isabella Qureshi.
In a statement, his family said, “He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come.”
Hussain began performing at the age of seven and collaborated with iconic Indian musicians such as Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, and Shivkumar Sharma. Internationally, his groundbreaking 1973 project Shakti—a fusion of Indian classical music and jazz—alongside John McLaughlin, L Shankar, and T.H. Vinayakram, established him as a pioneer in blending musical traditions.
Hussain’s collaborations extended to Western maestros, including Yo-Yo Ma, George Harrison, and Bela Fleck, earning him the reputation of a global cultural ambassador for Indian music. He won four Grammy Awards during his illustrious career, including three at the 66th awards ceremony earlier this year.
Tributes poured in from across the world. Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej praised Hussain’s humility and contributions to nurturing talent. “He left us too soon,” Kej said.
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta called him “the man who made the tabla sexy” and lamented his loss as an irreplaceable blow to the music world. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described him as “a beacon of India’s rich musical heritage,” while Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge hailed him as a “cultural ambassador who bridged borders and generations.”
Zakir Hussain’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire musicians and audiences worldwide.