Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away at a San Francisco hospital on Sunday evening. He was 73.
The legendary musician was undergoing treatment for heart-related issues, his manager Nirmala Bachani said earlier in the day.
"He has been admitted to a hospital in San Francisco for a heart-related problem for the last two weeks," she said, adding that Hussain was also suffering from blood pressure issues.
Also read | 'A saint gave me the name Zakir Hussain'
Hussain, son of the legendary tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha Khan, was a renowned figure in both Indian and global music. At the age of seven, he began his tabla journey and was already performing across India by 12.
Hussain has made remarkable contributions to both Indian classical and world music throughout his career.
About four decades ago, he relocated to San Francisco with his family.
In the passing away of Tabla exponent, Ustad Zakir Hussain, India and the world has lost a musical genius, and a cultural ambassador who bridged borders and generations with his mesmerising rhythms.
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) December 15, 2024
The Padma Vibhushan Tabla maestro and percussionist, gloriously took forward the… pic.twitter.com/x9RM6l68fQ
The बोल of Zakir Hussain Ji’s tabla spoke a universal language, transcending borders, cultures and generations.
— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) December 15, 2024
This clip defines how we will remember him, and celebrate his legacy. The sound & vibrations of his rhythm will echo in our hearts forever. सदैव गूंजेगा, वाह ताज!
My… pic.twitter.com/duGIHgnTYY
I am deeply saddened by the passing away of Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain. A legendary musician, he left an indelible mark on Indian classical music. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/f5AL7FhCvb
— YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (@ysjagan) December 15, 2024
The Government of India awarded him with prestigious civilian honours, including the Padma Shri in 1988, Padma Bhushan in 2002 and Padma Vibhushan in 2023. In 1990, he was also honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, India's highest recognition in music.
Political leaders and industrialists expressed condolences over Hussain's demise. "The world has lost a rhythm it can never replace. Ustad Zakir Hussain, our maestro whose tabla beats will forever echo in the soul of India, leaves behind his inimitable form of timeless art. His legacy is an eternal taal, resonating through generations to come," wrote Gautam Adani on X.
"Really sad to hear the passing away of Ustad Zakir Hussain, a true legend who gave rhythm to our hearts and soul. His tabla spoke a universal language. Heartfelt condolences to his family and well-wishers across the globe," Virender Sehwag said.
"The passing away of Ustad Zakir Hussain Sahab leaves our world of culture poorer. Making his fingers dance on the dayan and bayan, he took Indian Tabla to the global stage and will always be synonymous with its intricate rhythms. A doyen of music, a stalwart of creativity whose works endeared him to people across generations. His passing leaves a void that will be hard to fill," said Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma.
