Legendary Tabla Maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain Dies At 73

NEW DELHI: Renowned tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away at the age of 73 on Sunday evening at a hospital in San Francisco. According to his manager, Nirmala Bachani, he had been battling heart-related complications and high blood pressure in the time leading up to his demise.

Born to the legendary Ustad Alla Rakha Khan, Ustad Zakir Hussain began his tabla training at the age of seven and was performing across India by the time he was 12. Over the years, he achieved international acclaim, celebrated for his unparalleled mastery of the tabla and his remarkable contributions to Indian classical music and global music traditions.

Settled in San Francisco with his family over four decades ago, Ustad Zakir Hussain continued to influence the global music landscape. His illustrious career earned him numerous prestigious honors, including the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, the Padma Vibhushan in 2023, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1990.

Following his passing, an outpouring of tributes came from political leaders, celebrities, and musicians alike. Business magnate Gautam Adani expressed profound grief, calling it "the loss of an irreplaceable rhythm." Cricketer Virender Sehwag also honored Hussain, describing him as a legendary artist whose music transcended all borders.

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