Legendary Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain " The Way of Victory"

Sub Editor: Unni Thalakkasseri 🖎

Renowned tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain has passed away at the age of 73 in San Francisco due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, his family confirmed on Monday. Widely regarded as one of the greatest percussionists of all time, Hussain leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that has shaped global music and inspired generations of artists.

Hussain is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola; his daughters, Anisa and Isabella, along with their families; his brothers, Taufiq and Fazal Qureshi; and his sister, Khurshid Aulia.

The maestro had been admitted to the ICU at a San Francisco hospital due to heart-related complications, as noted by flautist and friend Rakesh Chaurasia on Sunday. Earlier reports of his passing were dismissed at the time, with his publicist confirming he was undergoing treatment. However, the news of his demise was officially announced on Monday.

In a statement, his family said:

"His prolific work as a teacher, mentor, and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians. He hoped to inspire the next generation to go further. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time."

A Legacy Rooted in Excellence and Innovation
Born on March 9, 1951, in Mahim, Mumbai, Zakir Hussain was the son of legendary tabla maestro Ustad Allarakha, who was Ravi Shankar's longtime accompanist. Exposed to tabla rhythms from infancy, Hussain’s musical journey began at the age of three under his father’s tutelage. By the age of 12, he was performing in concerts, rapidly establishing himself as a child prodigy.

Hussain collaborated with the titans of Indian classical music, including Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, and Pandit Shivkumar Sharma. Simultaneously, his groundbreaking collaborations with global icons such as The Beatles, John McLaughlin, Yo-Yo Ma, and Mickey Hart introduced Indian classical music to international audiences, cementing his reputation as a global cultural ambassador.

His pioneering work in world music led to historic projects such as Shakti (with John McLaughlin), Planet Drum, Global Drum Project, and Remember Shakti. His collaborations with Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Rakesh Chaurasia further expanded the boundaries of musical genres.

Awards and Honors
Over his illustrious career, Hussain received numerous accolades:

Padma Shri (1988), Padma Bhushan (2002), and Padma Vibhushan (2023) – among India's highest civilian honors.

Two Grammy Awards for Planet Drum with Mickey Hart, and three more in 2024 for his collaborations with Shakti, Béla Fleck, and Edgar Meyer. Notably, he became the first Indian artist to win three Grammys in a single night.

Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and Fellowship for lifetime achievement in Indian music.

The National Heritage Fellowship (1999) from the U.S. National Endowment for the Arts, the highest honor for traditional artists in the United States.

Aga Khan Music Award (2022) for his contributions to humanity’s musical heritage.

SFJazz Lifetime Achievement Award (2017) for his groundbreaking contributions to global music.

A Global Ambassador of Indian Music
Zakir Hussain’s work transcended borders and genres, blending traditional Indian classical rhythms with jazz, Western classical music, and other forms. His mastery allowed him to forge authentic connections between disparate musical traditions, bringing Indian percussion to a global stage.

Hussain’s immense contribution extended beyond performance. He served as an educator, mentor, and cultural icon, fostering the next generation of musicians while promoting cross-cultural understanding.

Tributes Pour In
Indian political and cultural leaders have expressed deep condolences over Hussain’s passing. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge hailed him as a "cultural ambassador who bridged borders and generations with his mesmerizing rhythms." Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described him as "a beacon of India’s rich musical heritage and a true custodian of classical traditions."

Hussain’s profound impact on the world of music and his ability to bring people together through rhythm will remain his enduring legacy. His contributions have enriched global music and left an indelible mark on humanity’s cultural fabric.

The world has lost a maestro, but his rhythms will echo through time, inspiring future generations.