Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain passes away at 73
Picture of Zakir Hussain
Renowned tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away at the age of 73 on Sunday (December 15).
Hussain had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital in San Francisco due to heart-related complications. "Official confirmation from family, hospital or the consulate in San Fransisco (where there are reports he is undergoing health checkups) is still awaited," ANI posted on X.
“He has been admitted to a hospital in San Francisco for a heart-related problem for the last two weeks,” said Nirmala Bachani, Hussain's manager.
Hussain, widely credited with bringing the tabla to the global stage, leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of music.
Zakir Hussain, the son of legendary tabla player Ustad Allah Rakha, began learning the tabla at the age of seven and was performing across India by the time he was 12. Over the years, he made significant contributions to Indian classical music and brought the Tabla to a global platform.
The Tabla maestro was celebrated both in India and internationally for hisachievements. The Government of India honoured him with several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.
He also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1990, India’s highest recognition in the field of music.
Following the news of his passing, heartfelt tributes began to pour in for the legendary musician.
"The बोल of Zakir Hussain Ji’s tabla spoke a universal language, transcending borders, cultures and generations. This clip defines how we will remember him, and celebrate his legacy. The sound & vibrations of his rhythm will echo in our hearts forever. सदैव गूंजेगा, वाह ताज! My deepest condolences to his family, fans and loved ones. Om Shanti,"Union MinisterJyotiraditya M. Scindia wrote on X.
(With inputs from agencies)
