World-Famous Tabla Maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain Passes Away at 73

San Francisco/Mumbai, 16th December 2024: The world of music has suffered an irreparable loss as legendary tabla virtuoso and Padma Vibhushan awardee Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away on Monday morning. His family confirmed that the maestro had been battling idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a rare lung condition, for some time.

Hussain, 73, was under medical care at a hospital in San Francisco for the past two weeks. His condition deteriorated recently, and he was shifted to the intensive care unit, where he breathed his last.

Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Ustad Zakir Hussain was the son of the celebrated tabla maestro Ustad Allarakkha Qureshi and Bavi Begum. He inherited his father’s musical genius and began his journey with the tabla at an early age.

Hussain completed his schooling at St. Michael’s School in Mahim, Mumbai, and graduated from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. His prodigious talent was evident early on, as he performed his first concert in the United States at the tender age of 11.

In 1973, he released his first album, Living in the Material World, marking the beginning of a career that transcended boundaries and brought Indian classical music to the global stage.

Ustad Zakir Hussain’s contributions to music were widely recognized. He was honored with the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023, making him one of the most celebrated musicians in India.

Hussain’s excellence extended beyond Indian classical music. In 2009, he won his first Grammy Award, and in 2024, he made history by winning three Grammys for three different albums, bringing his Grammy tally to four.

The news of his passing has sent shockwaves across the music and entertainment industries. Actor Kamal Haasan wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Zakir Bhai! He left too soon. Still, we are grateful for the time he gave and the art he shared. Goodbye and thank you.”

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar expressed his sorrow, saying, “Very sad to know about the demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain sahab. He was truly a treasure for the musical heritage of our country. Om Shanti.”

Sunny Deol also paid tribute, stating, “India and the music world have suffered a great loss with the demise of Zakir Hussain. He was one of the greatest musicians of all time. His legacy will always resonate through the beats of his tabla.”