File photo of Ustad Zakir Hussain | Photo credit: PTI

Renowned tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away on Sunday (December 15, 2024) at the age of 73.

Hussain, the eldest son of the legendary tabla player Allah Rakha, had followed in his father’s footsteps and made a name for himself in India and around the world. Hussain has received five Grammy Awards in his career, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year.

Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum, with the chief ministers of Assam, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh recalling the legacy left by Hussain.

Congress leader Mallikargun Kharge called Hussain a “cultural ambassador who bridged borders and generations with his mesmerizing rhythms”.

In his six-decade career, the musician collaborated with several renowned international and Indian artists, but it was his 1973 musical project with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L. Shankar and drummer TH “Vikku” Vinayakram that brought Indian classical and Jazz brought together elements of Indian music in a previously unknown fusion.

Also read: Zakir Hussain: “The student must inspire the teacher to teach”

The drummer, one of India’s most celebrated classical musicians, received the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.

(With PTI inputs)