India (Commonwealth Union)_ Zakir Hussain, the iconic tabla virtuoso whose contributions to Indian classical music and fusion genres earned him worldwide acclaim, has passed away at the age of 73. The renowned musician died in a hospital in San Francisco, where he had been receiving treatment for complications arising from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a rare lung disease. Hussain had been hospitalized for two weeks and was shifted to the ICU due to his deteriorating health condition. Despite the tireless efforts of his medical team and the prayers of his devoted fans, the legendary tabla maestro succumbed to his health complications.
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The news of his passing has deeply affected music lovers around the world, with tributes pouring in across social media platforms. In a heartfelt message on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief, calling Hussain a “true genius” who revolutionized Indian classical music and brought the tabla to global audiences. “His iconic performances and soulful compositions will continue to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers,” PM Modi wrote. “He seamlessly blended Indian classical traditions with global music, becoming an icon of cultural unity.”
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Zakir Hussain was born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, India, to legendary tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha. From a young age, Hussain showed exceptional talent, studying under the coaching of his father. By the age of 12, he was already performing on stage, and his exceptional skills soon earned him recognition within the Indian classical music community. His prodigious talent quickly made him a standout performer in his late teens. Hussain’s artistry, while rooted in the traditions of Indian classical music, was characterized by a constant desire to innovate and explore new musical territories. He was a pioneer in the world of fusion music, successfully merging Indian classical rhythms with elements from jazz, rock, and other global genres. One of his most influential contributions to music was the creation of Shakti in 1973, a groundbreaking fusion band that brought together the sounds of Indian classical music and jazz. This collaboration with British guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L. Shankar, and percussionist T.H. ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram reshaped the soundscape of both genres.
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Over the course of his illustrious career, which spanned six decades, Hussain collaborated with a wide range of renowned artists. His musical partnerships included work with George Harrison, Béla Fleck, Yo-Yo Ma, and Ravi Shankar. His ability to transcend cultural and geographical barriers helped introduce millions to the beauty and complexity of Indian music. Not only in India, but also globally, people acknowledged Hussain’s contributions to music. He was the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 1988 and the Padma Bhushan in 2002, two of India’s highest civilian honors. Internationally, he won four Grammy Awards, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year. His Grammy wins celebrated his work in world music and fusion, a testament to his unmatched versatility as an artist.
For his collaborative project Global Drum Project with Mickey Hart, Sikiru Adepoju, and Giovanni Hidalgo, Hussain won the Grammy for Best Contemporary World Music Album in 2009. Additionally, his work with Hart on the album Planet Drum earned him a Grammy nomination. His immense skill and diverse collaborations highlighted his status as one of the most influential musicians of his generation. Hussain made a memorable appearance as a tabla maestro in Dev Patel’s 2024 film Monkey Man, showcasing his vast artistic reach. Beyond his work as a performer, Hussain was also a revered teacher, influencing countless students around the world. He often emphasized the reciprocal relationship between teacher and student, highlighting the importance of mutual inspiration in the learning process.
His wife, Antonia Minnecola, a Kathak dancer, and their two daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi, survive Zakir Hussain. His family, friends, and the global music community mourn the loss of a man whose influence will endure for future generations. The passing of Zakir Hussain marks the end of a golden era in the history of Indian music. His legacy, however, will live on through his music, his collaborations, and the countless musicians he mentored. Hussain’s contributions to both Indian classical music and global fusion will ensure that his influence remains a vital force in the music world for years to come.
