The legendary tabla virtuoso, Zakir Hussain, died from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in San Francisco.
Zakir Hussain, who was undergoing treatment in a hospital in San Francisco for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, has passed away at the age of 73. His family confirmed the news of his demise on Monday. The tabla maestro left behind a legacy to be cherished and respected by music lovers from every corner of the world. He is survived by his wife, renowned Kathak dancer, Antonia Minnecola, his daughters Anisha Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi, their respective families, his brother Taufiq and Fazal Qureshi and his sister Khurshid Aulia.
His friend and flautist, Rakesh Chaurasia, announced earlier on Sunday that Hussain was admitted to the hospital’s ICU with problems related to his heart. However, reports surfacing on Sunday claimed that the Tabla legend had passed away, which was dismissed by his publicist. Instead, it was confirmed that the musician was being treated at the hospital. His family and friends asked for prayers from all his fans for Hussain’s speedy recovery.
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In the official 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.”
The legendary musician became the first Indian to win three Grammy awards in one night in March 2024. Born in 1951 to legendary tabla master Ustad Allarakha, Ravi Shankar’s longtime accompanist, Hussain’s passion for music ignited from a very young age. He began performing in public at the age of 12. He collaborated with all of the veteran performers in the country, including Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, and Shivkumar Sharma. His collaboration with Western music with artists such as the Beatles, Yo-Yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, Mickey Hart, George Harrison and many more has placed Indian classical music on the global map with admiration and respect.
PM Narendra Modi tweeted offering condolences to his family, adding, “Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary tabla maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain Ji. He will be remembered as a true genius who revolutionized the world of Indian classical music. He also brought the tabla to the global stage, captivating millions with his unparalleled rhythm. Through this, he seamlessly blended Indian classical traditions with global music, thus becoming an icon of cultural unity.”
Zakir Hussain’s contribution to music is transformative and irreplaceable. Team Wedding Affair is deeply saddened by the news and wishes his family peace and comfort going through this difficult time.
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