Last Updated:December 15, 2024, 23:12 IST

Zakir Hussain, a globally acclaimed tabla player who has won three Grammy awards for his unmatched skill with the instrument, passed away at the age of 73.

Zakir Hussain’s demise left the entire world in shock and grief and left a void in the world of Indian classical music. (Photo: X)

Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain passed away at the age of 73 in San Francisco, US, due to heart-related ailments. Widely renowned as one of the world’s greatest tabla players, his demise sent shockwaves across the entire country as people from all walks of life offered their condolences.

One of India’s most celebrated musicians, Zakir Hussain’s demise has left a deep void in the realm of Indian classical music. A four-time Grammy winner and a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour, Hussain’s work has left an indelible mark on the global music world.

Taking to X, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences to the globally renowned tabla virtuoso, calling it an “irreparable loss” to the world of music. “I pray to God to grant salvation to his departed soul and give strength to his grif-stricken family and fans to bear this immense loss,” Adityanath said on X.

Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said the news of Hussain’s passing away was “extremely sad” and a great loss for the music world. “Ustad Zakir Hussain ji has left behind a legacy of his art, which will always remain alive in our memories,” he said on the social media platform.

BJP leader Colonel Rajyavardhan Rathore also mourned the loss of Zakir Hussain. “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,” he said.

In an emotional tribute, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the passing away of the tabla maestro left the 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,” Sarma remarked.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said she was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the untimely demise of Hussain. “This is a huge loss for the country and his millions of admirers across the planet. I convey my sincere condolences to the family, fraternity and followers of the great artist,” she added.

Industrialist Anand Mahindra shared an old clip of Zakir Hussain and Nushrat Fateh Ali Khan, saying, “The rhythm of India paused today.”

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said Hussain’s music “spoke a universal language, transcending borders, cultures and generations”. “The sound & vibrations of his rhythm will echo in our hearts forever. My deepest condolences to his family, fans and loved ones. Om Shanti,” he added.

Businessman Harsh Goenka said the world “falls silent as the tabla loses its maestro” after Hussain’s passing away. “Ustad Zakir Hussain, a rhythmic genius who brought the soul of India to global stages, has left us. I was privileged to know him because of his connection with HMV and hear him perform at our home. His beats will echo eternally,” he said.

Former cricketers Virender Sehwag, filmmaker Hansal Mehta and actor Riteish Deshmukh also paid their tributes to the legendary figure.

Who Was Zakir Hussain?

Zakir Hussain was reportedly experiencing heart-related and blood pressure issues, according to his friend Rakesh Chaurasia. His manager Nirmala Bachani also confirmed the same. “He is unwell and admitted in the ICU right now. We all are worried about the situation,” Chaurasia told news agency PTI.

“Ustad Zakir Hussain, Tabla player, percussionist, composer, former actor, and the son of legendary Tabla player, Ustad Allah Rakha is not well. He’s being treated for serious ailments in a San Francisco hospital, USA, informed his brother-in-law, Ayub Aulia,” said journalist Pervaiz Alam on X.

A child prodigy in tabla, Zakir Hussain’s prowess with the instrument has been recognised by legendary figures in the far ends of the musical world. His collaborations span diverse genres and artists, including Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, George Harrison, John McLaughlin, and Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead.

He became one of the youngest recipients of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1990, and was awarded the Padma Shri in 1998, Padma Bhushan in 2002 and Padma Vibhushan in 2023. He earned his first Grammy award in 2009. He also received the Indo-American Award in 1990 for his outstanding cultural contribution to the relationship between the United States and India.

The tabla maestro scripted history at the 66th Grammy Awards this year as he became the first Indian to win three Grammy awards in a single event. Zakir Hussain won Grammys for Best Global Music Performance for the song “Pashto”, Best Contemporary Instrumental Album and Best Global Music Album.