Legendary Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain Passes Away at 73

Renowned tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away last night in the United States at the age of 73. Family sources revealed that he had been battling blood-pressure-related issues. Hussain had recently been hospitalized in San Francisco after experiencing heart-related complications.

Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Zakir Hussain was the eldest son of legendary tabla virtuoso Allah Rakha. From an early age, Hussain displayed an extraordinary aptitude for music, which set the stage for his illustrious career spanning six decades.

Hussain’s contributions to the world of music were unparalleled, earning him five Grammy Awards, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year. He also left his mark on cinema, appearing in films such as Saaz and Heat and Dust, with his latest work, Monkey Man, released in 2024.

A pioneer in cross-genre collaborations, Hussain was instrumental in blending Indian classical music with other forms. His groundbreaking 1973 collaboration with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L. Shankar, and percussionist T.H. “Vikku” Vinayakram introduced a unique fusion of Indian classical music and jazz, captivating audiences worldwide.

Over his lifetime, Hussain was the recipient of numerous accolades. He was honored with the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in 2023.

Zakir Hussain’s unparalleled talent and dedication to his craft have left an indelible mark on the world of music. He will be remembered as a trailblazer who brought Indian classical music to the global stage.