Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla maestro and composer, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the age of 73.

Earlier on Sunday, Hussain was admitted to the intensive care unit of a San Francisco hospital with heart problems, his friend and flautist Rakesh Chaurasia told PTI.

Hussain’s manager Nirmala Bachani told the news agency: “He has been admitted to a hospital in San Francisco for the last two weeks due to heart problems.”

According to Hussain’s manager Nirmala Bachani, the US-based tabla master was struggling with blood pressure problems.

Ustad Zakir Hussain: The Tabla Maestro

Zakir Hussain, the eldest son of legendary tabla player Allah Rakha, followed in his father’s footsteps and became a global icon. Throughout his career, Hussain has won five Grammy Awards, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year.

Over his six-decade career, Zakir Hussain has worked with several renowned Indian and international artists. His 1973 project with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L. Shankar and percussionist TH “Vikku” Vinayakram was groundbreaking. The collaboration fused classical Indian music with jazz, creating a unique, never-before-seen sound.

Considered one of India’s most renowned classical musicians, Hussain received the Padma Shri, one of the country’s highest civilian honors, in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.

Social media flooded with heartfelt tributes

Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia shared a clip of Hussain playing tabla and wrote, “The bols (voice) of Zakir Hussain Ji’s tabla spoke a universal language that transcends borders, cultures and generations.” This clip sums up the point perfectly , how we will remember him and celebrate his legacy. The sound and vibrations of its rhythm will forever resonate in our hearts. My deepest condolences go out to his family, his fans and his loved ones. Om Shanti.”

Zakir Hussain Ji’s Tabla language spoke a universal language that transcends borders, cultures and generations.

This clip defines how we remember him and celebrate his legacy. The sound and vibrations of its rhythm will forever echo in our hearts. Yes, you know!

My… pic.twitter.com/duGIHgnTYY— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) December 15, 2024

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma also expressed his deep condolences to “X” and said, “The death of Ustad Zakir Hussain Sahab impoverishes our world of culture.” By letting his fingers dance on Dayan and Bajan, he brought the Indian tabla onto the world stage and will always be synonymous with their intricate rhythms. A doyen of music, a loyal representative of creativity, whose works endeared him to people across generations. His death leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. My sincerest condolences go out to his family, his students and countless admirers.”

West Bengal presenter Mamata Banerjee wrote on social media platform ‘X’ in her post, “I am deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain, the famous maestro and one of the greatest tabla players of all Times.” This is a great loss for the country and its millions of admirers around the world. I express my sincere condolences to the family, brotherhood and followers of the great artist.”

Earlier, when reports of Zakir Hussain’s poor health surfaced, prayers poured in on social media wishing for his speedy recovery.

Senior broadcast journalist Pervaiz Alam took to X to share the news, quoting the musician’s brother-in-law Ayub Aulia. “Ustad Zakir Hussain, tabla player, drummer, composer, former actor and son of legendary tabla player Ustad Allah Rakha, is not well. He is being treated for severe ailments at a hospital in San Francisco, US, his brother-in-law Ayub informed “Aulia Sahab, who lives in London, in a phone call asked Zakir’s followers to pray for his speedy recovery,” he wrote in a post .

Bhajan singer Anup Jalota shared a video message with the caption: “I pray for the speedy recovery of tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain. May his health and rhythm return stronger than ever.”