Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain has passed away. He was hospitalised in the US and was critical on Sunday.
Zakir Hussain has passed away. He was 73. The tabla Maestro breathed his last in San Francisco on Sunday, December 15. The Padma Bhushan recipient was reportedly hospitalised in the US. His health condition deteriorated which led to his death. The family has issued a statement, sharing details about Zakir Hussain’s death. They revealed he died of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic disease affecting the lungs.
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According to Hindustan Times, his family said, “His prolific work as a teacher, mentor and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians. He hoped to inspire the next generation to go further. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time.” The family has requested ‘privacy at this time.’
As per NDTV, Zakir was in the hospital for the last two weeks. He was shifted to the ICU after his condition deteriorated.
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Confusion Over His Death:
Their statement came hours after the confusion over his death. On Sunday night, news broke out that Zakir Hussain had passed away. Several political leaders and eminent personalities offered their tributes, seemingly confirming that Zakir was no more. However, an X user claiming to be his nephew sparked confusion by claiming Zakir was still alive.
Soon after, Zakir’s sister Khurshid Aulia told Mid-Day that Zakir was still fighting for his life. “The news of his passing away is false. He is very much alive, but he is in very, very critical condition.” Unfortunately, in the wee hours of Monday, it was reported that Zakir Hussain had died.
About Zakir Hussain’s Health:
This comes hours after journalist Pervaiz Alam shared the news of the Tabla maestro’s hospitalisation on X. “Ustad Zakir Hussain, Tabla player, percussionist, composer, former actor, and the son of legendary Tabla player, Ustad Allah Rakha is not well. He’s being treated for serious ailments in a San Francisco hospital, USA, informed his brother-in-law, Ayub Aulia… Aulia sahab has requested Zakir’s followers to pray for his speedy recovery,” he wrote.
The news of Zakir Hussain’s death has left the entire nation shocked and grief-struck. Among others, Colonel Rajyavardhan Rathore took to his X handle to mourn the loss. “Ustad Zakir Hussain’s extraordinary mastery of the tabla has created a timeless legacy in the world of music. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the countless admirers whose lives he touched with his artistry. His rhythms will echo in our hearts forever,” he wrote.
A Look At Zakir Hussain’s Career:
Zakir Hussain is a globally acclaimed tabla virtuoso, revered for his unmatched instrument mastery and groundbreaking contributions to Indian classical and world music. Born in 1951 to Ustad Allah Rakha, Zakir was a child prodigy who began performing at seven. Over the decades, his virtuosity and innovation have elevated the tabla to unprecedented global recognition.
As a solo artist, Zakir Hussain has redefined the art of tabla playing, blending technical precision with emotive expression. His collaborations span diverse genres and artists, including Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, George Harrison, John McLaughlin, and Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead. In 1970, he co-founded the fusion group Shakti alongside guitarist John McLaughlin, which combined Indian classical and jazz influences. His projects such as Remember Shakti and Planet Drum continue to be celebrated for their ingenuity.
Zakir Hussain has scored music for films such as Heat and Dust and In Custody, as well as international ballet and orchestral productions. His dedication to spreading the richness of Indian music globally has earned him numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album.
