Legendary Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain Passes Away at 73

Mumbai, Dec 15 : The music world mourns the loss of legendary tabla virtuoso Ustad Zakir Hussain, who passed away on Sunday, December 15, at the age of 73. He succumbed to heart-related complications after being admitted to a hospital in San Francisco earlier in the day.

According to his manager, Nirmala Bachani, the maestro had been battling blood pressure-related issues, which culminated in his hospitalization and subsequent passing.

Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Zakir Hussain was the eldest son of the iconic tabla player Ustad Allah Rakha. Drawn to music from a young age, he followed in his father’s illustrious footsteps, crafting a legacy of his own that resonated both in India and on global stages. He completed his education at St. Michael’s High School in Mahim and later graduated from St. Xavier’s College, balancing academics and a burgeoning musical career.

Hussain was married to Antonia Minnecola, a Kathak dancer and teacher, with whom he shared a deep passion for the arts. The couple has two daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.

In addition to his contributions to music, Zakir Hussain made notable appearances in films, including Saaz and Heat and Dust. His most recent cinematic project, Monkey Man, was released in 2024, showcasing his versatility as an artist.

Tributes poured in from across the world, with luminaries expressing their grief and celebrating his unparalleled contributions to music.

Industrialist Harsh Goenka shared an emotional tribute, saying, “The world falls silent as the tabla loses its maestro. Ustad Zakir Hussain, a rhythmic genius who brought the soul of India to global stages, has left us. I feel privileged to have known him through his connection with HMV and to have witnessed his incredible performance at our home. His beats will echo eternally.”

Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore reflected on Hussain’s enduring legacy, stating, “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.”

Gujarat’s Minister of Tourism, Mulubhai Bera, wrote, “The rhythm of heaven just got a little more vibrant. Farewell, Zakir Hussain. Your music will continue to be a blessing to humanity.”

Ustad Zakir Hussain’s six-decade-long career saw him collaborating with Indian and international artists, pioneering the fusion of Indian classical music with jazz and other global genres. His groundbreaking work with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L. Shankar, and percussionist T.H. Vinayakram in the 1970s remains a landmark in world music.

The maestro’s legacy as an artist, innovator, and cultural ambassador will endure, his rhythms forever resonating in the hearts of music lovers worldwide.