Photo: Collected
Legendary tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain has passed away at a hospital in San Francisco, his family announced on Monday.
The 73-year-old musician succumbed to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, according to a statement released by his family.
Hussain had been undergoing treatment at the hospital for the past two weeks and was moved to the ICU when his health deteriorated.
Zakir Hussain, hailed as the greatest tabla virtuoso of his generation, is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, and his daughters, Anisa and Isabella Qureshi.
Born on March 9, 1951, he was the son of the legendary Ustad Alla Rakha, who himself was a pioneer in the world of tabla.
The family expressed in a statement, "His monumental impact on music transcends boundaries, leaving an enduring legacy that will inspire generations to come."
One of his most memorable appearances outside the concert stage was in a 33-second television commercial for Taj Tea. In the ad, the maestro was depicted engrossed in his tabla practice before pausing to enjoy a cup of tea. The iconic voiceover by Harish Bhimani praised his artistry with the line, "Wah Ustad, wah!" to which Hussain playfully responded, "Arre huzoor, wah Taj boliye!" The phrase "Wah Taj" became a cultural catchphrase, fondly remembered even decades later.
Starting his musical journey at the young age of seven, Zakir Hussain forged an extraordinary career, collaborating with iconic Indian musicians like Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, and Shivkumar Sharma, among numerous others, throughout his illustrious life.
Zakir Hussain's pioneering collaborations with renowned Western artistes like Yo-Yo Ma, Charles Lloyd, Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Mickey Hart, and George Harrison introduced Indian classical music to a global audience.
Over his illustrious career, Hussain earned four Grammy Awards, including an impressive three wins at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year.
Widely regarded as one of India's most iconic classical musicians, he was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.
As news of his passing spread, an outpouring of tributes and condolences flooded social media, with fans and peers mourning the loss of a musical legend.
Grammy-winning artist Ricky Kej honoured Zakir Hussain, praising his "remarkable humility and warm personality."
"Zakirji was not only a legendary musician but also a guiding force for many artistes who are now luminaries in their own right. A fountain of knowledge and unmatched talent, he consistently inspired the global music community through his collaborations and generosity. His legacy will continue to shine brightly. He left us far too soon," Kej wrote on X.
Renowned American drummer Nate Smith expressed his appreciation, stating, "Thank you, Zakir Hussain, for the incredible music you shared with the world."
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