Rhythm of India Paused: Tabla Maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain Dies at 73

The rhythm of India may have paused, but the legacy of Ustad Zakir Hussain will forever resound in the world’s musical tapestry.

The world of music has lost its heartbeat with the passing of Tabla Maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, at the age of 73.

He breathed his last on Monday at a hospital in San Francisco, after battling complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

His family, in a statement, confirmed the sorrowful news, revealing that Hussain had been hospitalized for two weeks before being moved to the ICU as his condition worsened.

He is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, and daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.

Messages of condolence poured in on social media as the news of Zakir Hussain’s demise spread.

Chairman of the Mahindra Group, Anand Mahindra, paid tribute and wrote, “The rhythm of India paused today…”

Grammy-award-winning music composer Ricky Kej also expressed his grief on social media, calling Zakir Hussain as one of the greatest musicians and personalities India has ever produced.

Kej wrote, “Shocked, deeply saddened and devastated by the passing-on of the legend Ustad Zakir Hussain @ZakirHtabla. One of the greatest musicians and personalities India has ever produced. Along with being the best himself, Zakirji was known for his immense humility, approachable nature, and for being responsible for the careers of numerous musicians, who are now forces to reckon with themselves. He was a treasure trove of skill and knowledge and always shared and encouraged the entire music community through collaborations and his actions. His legacy will live on forever, and his influence will be felt for generations. He left us too soon. #ZakirHussain #ustadzakirhussain.”

Shocked, deeply saddened and devastated by the passing-on of the legend Ustad Zakir Hussain @ZakirHtabla. One of the greatest musicians and personalities India has ever produced. Along with being the best himself, Zakirji was known for his immense humility, approachable nature,… pic.twitter.com/FxDeScxrvt

— Ricky Kej (@rickykej) December 16, 2024

BJP leader and DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia also remembered the music legend and said that the ‘Bol’ of Zakir Hussain’s tabla spoke a universal language, transcending borders, cultures and generations.

The बोल of Zakir Hussain Ji’s tabla spoke a universal language, transcending borders, cultures and generations.

This clip defines how we will remember him, and celebrate his legacy. The sound & vibrations of his rhythm will echo in our hearts forever. सदैव गूंजेगा, वाह ताज!

My… pic.twitter.com/duGIHgnTYY

— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) December 15, 2024

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also expressed his condolences on the demise of the tabla maestro, praying for his soul to rest in peace.

“The passing away of Ustad Zakir Hussain Sahab leaves our world of culture poorer. Making his fingers dance on the dayan and bayan, he took Indian Tabla to the global stage and will always be synonymous with its intricate rhythms. A doyen of music, a stalwart of creativity whose works endeared him to people across generations. His passing leaves a void that will be hard to fill. My heartfelt condolences to his family, disciples and countless admirers,” CM Sarma tweeted.

The passing away of Ustad Zakir Hussain Sahab leaves our world of culture poorer. Making his fingers dance on the dayan and bayan, he took Indian Tabla to the global stage and will always be synonymous with its intricate rhythms.

A doyen of music, a stalwart of creativity whose… pic.twitter.com/50zFPzCGvl

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) December 16, 2024

Born on March 9, 1951, he is the son of legendary tabla master Ustad Alla Rakha.

“He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come,” the statement from his family read.

Over a career that spanned six decades, Hussain left an indelible mark on the world of music, collaborating with luminaries such as Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, and Shivkumar Sharma, as well as Western greats like Yo-Yo Ma, George Harrison, and John McLaughlin.

His groundbreaking work in 1973, when he fused Indian classical with jazz, created a new genre that mesmerized music lovers worldwide.

This was just one of the many milestones in his career, which also saw him winning four Grammy Awards and receiving India’s highest civilian honours, the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.

Hussain has received 4 Grammy Awards in his career, including 3 at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year. The percussionist, 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.

The rhythm of India may have paused, but the legacy of Ustad Zakir Hussain will forever resound in the world’s musical tapestry.

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