The music world is in mourning following the demise of legendary tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, who passed away on Sunday, December 15, in San Francisco.
The Padma Vibhushan awardee had been receiving treatment for heart-related complications in the ICU for two weeks.
His death was attributed to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung condition, according to a statement from Jon Bleicher of Prospect PR, representing the family.
Tributes have poured in from across the globe for the maestro, whose influence transcended borders and genres. Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej expressed his grief, describing Zakir Hussain as “one of the greatest musicians India has ever produced.”
In an emotional Instagram post, Kej highlighted the tabla maestro’s humility, his role in nurturing countless musical talents, and his enduring legacy.
Veteran singer Anup Jalota also mourned the loss, calling it “shocking news.” He shared a heartfelt video on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the everlasting impact of Zakir Hussain’s artistry. Music composer Thaman S echoed the sentiment, writing, “REST IN PEACE MAESTRO. We lost the legend today.”
Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Zakir Hussain was the son of the iconic tabla virtuoso Ustad Alla Rakha. From an early age, he demonstrated extraordinary talent, performing alongside some of India’s greatest classical musicians as a teenager.
Over his illustrious career, he collaborated with global icons such as Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Vilayat Khan, and international fusion legends like John McLaughlin and Mickey Hart.
As a pioneer of global fusion music, Ustad Zakir Hussain was instrumental in the creation of bands like Shakti and Planet Drum, the latter earning him a Grammy Award.
He was also the recipient of numerous prestigious honors, including the Padma Shri (1988), Padma Bhushan (2002), and multiple Grammy Awards, cementing his legacy as one of the most celebrated artists of our time.
The world has lost a musical genius whose rhythm bridged cultures and brought people together. Ustad Zakir Hussain’s contributions to the music world will continue to inspire generations to come.