World’s greatest tabla player Zakir Hussain died in a hospital in San Francisco, US on Monday (December 16, 2024). Zakir Hussain died from complications arising out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, according to his family official statement. He had been in hospital for the past two weeks and was shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after his condition deteriorated.
Earlier on Sunday, Hussain’s friend and flautist Rakesh Chaurasia had said that the Tabla legend was admitted to the San Francisco hospital’s ICU with heart-related problems. Hussain had been hospitalised for the last two weeks and was later taken to the ICU as his condition deteriorated. Reports of his death initially surfaced on Sunday but were dismissed by his family, who confirmed he was alive.
On Monday morning, a statement from his family confirmed to India Today, “Zakir Hussain, one of the world’s most transcendent musicians, passed away from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in San Francisco at the age of 73”.
Hussain has received four Grammy Awards in his career, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year. Hussain has received the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.
The legendary Tabla virtuoso leaves behind a legacy that is cherished and respected by countless music lovers across the world, with an influence that will be reflect in generations to come.
Zakir Hussain Death Tribute
As news of Hussain’s death broke, tributes have begun pouring in on social media soon after the news of his death broke, with ministers, celebrities, and others sharing their memories and tributes to the Tabla legend. Political leaders Nitin Gadkari, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, industrialists Gautam Adani, Anand Mahindra were among the many people who mourned the death of Hussain.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “a true genius who revolutionised the world of Indian classical music”.
- Nayan Ghosh, who plays the sitar and tabla, called the news “devastating” and said that his association with Hussain went back 60 years to their childhood. “He was a pathbreaker, a game-changer, an icon who put tabla and Indian music on the world map by transcending the boundaries of genre and inspiring generations of artistes,”
- Grammy winning composer Ricky Kej called him: “one of the greatest musicians and personalities India has ever produced”.
- Rahul Gandhi said Hussain’s death was: “a great loss for the music world”
- Union Minister Amit Shah Condoles Demise Of Ustad Zakir Hussain: “Rhythm Fell Silent”
- Music composer-singer Salim Merchant expressed condolences over Zakir Hussain’s death: “Zakir Hussain was a father figure to all of us”
- Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Aaditya Thackeray said that the death of Zakir Hussain is: “heartbreaking” and paid a “heartfelt” tribute to the renowned tabla player.
- Actor Akshay Kumar paid condolences over the death of Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain: “Very pained to know about the sad demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain Saab. He was truly a treasure for our country’s musical heritage. Om Shanti,”
- AR Rahman wrote on X, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. Zakir Bhai was an inspiration, a towering personality who elevated the tabla to global acclaim.
- Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya wrote, “The Great Maestro #zakirhussain ..Gone Too Soon…I just met him at breakfast recently at Birmingham..Rest In Peace..Ustad ji..”
Zakir Hussain Achievements and Honours
Zakir Hussain’s unparalleled contributions to music earned him widespread recognition. He was the recipient of four Grammy Awards, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year. In India, his accomplishments were acknowledged with the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023, one of the nation’s highest civilian honours.
Hussain’s influence extended beyond music. His mastery of the tabla and his ability to innovate within traditional and contemporary frameworks made him a cultural ambassador. He inspired generations of musicians and listeners alike. Despite his passing, his music remains a timeless testament to his genius.
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