Legendary Tabla Maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain Passes Away: A Great Loss to the World of Music

San Francisco, December 15: Renowned tabla virtuoso Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away on Sunday (Dec 15) at a hospital in San Francisco. The 73-year-old musician succumbed to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, as confirmed by an official statement from his family.

Conflicting reports about his health had surfaced earlier, with many hoping for his recovery. However, on Monday morning, his family announced his demise, leaving the global music community in mourning over the loss of one of its most cherished artists.

Family and Early Life

Zakir Hussain is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, daughters Anisa and Isabella Qureshi, brothers Taufiq and Fazal Qureshi, and sister Khurshid Aulia. Born on March 9, 1951, in Mahim, Mumbai, Zakir Hussain inherited his musical genius from his father, the legendary tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha. By the age of 3, he had already begun learning tabla under his father’s guidance, and by 12, he started performing at concerts, showcasing his prodigious talent.

Musical Journey

Throughout his illustrious career, Zakir Hussain collaborated with iconic Indian classical artists such as Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, and Shivkumar Sharma. He also made his mark on the global stage, working with international legends like The Beatles, Yo-Yo Ma, George Harrison, John McLaughlin, and Charles Lloyd. His unparalleled artistry helped bring Indian classical music to a global audience and established him as a cultural ambassador of India.

Awards and Honors

Recognized for his extraordinary contributions, Zakir Hussain received India’s highest civilian honors, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan. He was also honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and its prestigious Fellowship for Lifetime Achievement.

Internationally, he received the National Heritage Fellowship from the U.S. in 1999, the country’s highest lifetime honor for traditional artists, and the SFJazz Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. Notably, he became the first Indian artist to win three Grammy Awards in a single night, a testament to his global impact and unparalleled talent.

Legacy

Zakir Hussain’s musical genius transcended boundaries, blending Indian classical music with Western styles and creating a unique legacy that inspired generations. His family, in their official statement, requested privacy during this difficult time, acknowledging his immense contribution to the world of music and his enduring legacy as a global cultural icon.READ THIS- Heavy Rain Alert for Bengaluru and 20+ Districts in Karnataka

Ustad Zakir Hussain’s name will forever resonate as a symbol of excellence, dedication, and a bridge between cultures.