Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away on Sunday, December 15th in the USA at the age of 73. The musician was hospitalized in the US due to serious health concerns.
Earlier, news agency PTI reported that Hussain had been admitted to the clinic, citing his close friend and flautist Rakesh Chaurasia Intensive care unit after heart problems. A source had also mentioned that the 73-year-old musician had been suffering from blood pressure problems. Hussain was treated in hospital last week for a heart problem.
An official statement from Zakir Hussain’s family is still awaited. Zakir Hussain, son of legendary tabla virtuoso Ustad Alla Rakha Khan, was a well-known figure in both Indian and global music. He began his tabla journey at the age of seven and was already performing across India by the age of twelve. Throughout his career, he made notable contributions to both Indian classical music and world music.
He has composed and performed for numerous acclaimed Indian and international films, showcasing his exceptional tabla skills. About four decades ago, he moved with his family to San Francisco, where he continued to play a central role in the global music scene.
The tabla maestro received numerous national and international awards throughout his outstanding career. The Indian government awarded him prestigious civilian awards, including the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023. In 1990, he was also awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, India’s highest recognition in the music industry , honored.