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Ustad Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla maestro and global icon, passed away on December 15, 2024, at the age of 73. His family confirmed the heartbreaking news, citing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung condition, as the cause of death. The maestro had been admitted to a San Francisco hospital for heart-related complications, a statement confirmed by Jon Bleicher of Prospect PR, representing the family.

A Tragic Loss for the World of Music

The legendary musician had been battling health issues in recent weeks. Renowned flutist Rakesh Chaurasia shared that Hussain was receiving treatment in the ICU, while his manager, Nirmala Bachani, mentioned his struggle with blood pressure and heart complications. Despite prayers from admirers worldwide, the world lost a true virtuoso.

The Life and Legacy of Ustad Zakir Hussain

Born on March 9, 1951, in Maharashtra, Zakir Hussain was the eldest son of legendary tabla player Ustad Allah Rakha. His journey into music began at a young age, under the guidance of his father. He pursued his education at St. Michael’s High School and later graduated from St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai, balancing academics with a deepening passion for music.

Zakir Hussain revolutionized Indian classical music, collaborating with legendary artists like guitarist John McLaughlin and violinist L Shankar in the groundbreaking 1973 project Shakti. Throughout his six-decade career, he received numerous accolades, including five Grammy Awards and three major Indian honors—the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.

A Global Ambassador of Indian Music

Zakir Hussain’s influence extended far beyond India. His work bridged Indian classical music and Western genres, leaving an indelible mark on global music. Apart from his illustrious music career, he appeared in films like Saaz and Heat and Dust. His final cinematic work, Monkey Man, was released earlier this year.

Tributes Pour In for the Tabla Maestro

Social media was flooded with heartfelt tributes from political leaders, celebrities, and fans. Gautam Adani expressed, “The world has lost a rhythm it can never replace.” Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called his passing “a great loss for the music world,” while Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted the universal appeal of Hussain’s tabla.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma also paid their respects, emphasizing his contributions to Indian culture and his ability to transcend borders with his music.

A Void That Cannot Be Filled

Ustad Zakir Hussain leaves behind his wife, Kathak dancer Antonia Minnecola, and their daughters, Anisa and Isabella Qureshi. As his rhythmic genius echoes in the hearts of millions, his passing marks the end of an era in Indian classical music.

Written By :- Debasis Gouda

Techiebhaiya