Zakir Hussain, celebrated as one of the preeminent tabla players in the world, has passed away at the age of 73 due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive lung disease. The news was confirmed by his family in a statement issued from a hospital in San Francisco.
Hussain was a towering figure in the realm of Indian classical music, his virtuosity and innovation earning him acclaim globally. A four-time Grammy award winner, he was honored with India’s second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan, acknowledging his contributions to music and culture.
Born into a musical lineage as the son of legendary tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha Khan, Hussain exhibited prodigious talent early on, performing his first concert at just seven years old. Over the decades, he collaborated with artists from various genres around the world, bridging cultural gaps and fostering musical dialogues.
His passing has elicited an outpouring of tributes from across the globe, celebrating not only his musical genius but also his role as a cultural ambassador for Indian music. Fans and fellow musicians alike gather in mourning, reflecting on the profound impact that Hussain's artistry has had on the world stage.
