Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, known for his innovative rhythms and collaborations, died of heart disease in a US hospital at the age of 73. Politicians and public figures mourned the Grammy winner and highlighted his contribution to music and his legacy as a cultural ambassador.

Condolences poured in when tabla maestro Zakir Hussain died in a US hospital on Sunday after being admitted for a heart condition. The Grammy-winning musician was 73 years old. Several politicians and public figures expressed their sadness over his death.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari wrote on X that Zakir Hussain’s death was an irreparable loss for the country.

Speaking to His dedication to his art and contribution will always be remembered. May God give peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family and fans. Om Shanti!”

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav paid his heartfelt tributes. “The downfall of India’s famous tabla player, Padma Vibhushan Ustad Zakir Khan ji is an irreparable loss. My condolences to the bereaved family,” Yadav wrote in his X post.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge expressed his deepest condolences to Zakir Hussain’s family, friends and admirers worldwide. He wrote: “With the death of tabla exponent Ustad Zakir Hussain, India and the world have lost a musical genius and a cultural ambassador who bridged borders and generations with his mesmerizing rhythms.” The Padma Vibhushan Tabla Maestro and drummer gloriously continued his father’s legacy with extraordinary performances and collaborations. His numerous national and international honors bear witness to this.”
As a solo artist, Zakir Hussain revolutionized tabla playing by combining technical mastery with deep emotion. His collaborations include legends such as Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, George Harrison, John McLaughlin and Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead. As co-founder of Shakti in 1970, he pioneered Indian classical jazz fusion, with Remember Shakti and Planet Drum being praised for their innovation.