The maestro departs

Tabla player Zakir Hussain dies at 73

Zakir Hussain, the tabla virtuoso whose mastery of rhythm shaped the landscape of Indian classical music and elevated it to global acclaim, passed away on Sunday at the age of 73, reported NDTV. After battling idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung condition, Hussain died in San Francisco, as confirmed by his family.

Born Zakir Allah Rakha Qureshi on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, the son of legendary tabla maestro Allah Rakha Qureshi, Hussain's talent was evident from an early age. His mother, Bavi Begum, changed his surname to Hussain following the advice of a Muslim saint, marking the beginning of a new identity that would become synonymous with the tabla's unparallelled sound. By the time he was seven, Hussain had already begun performing, and by twelve, he was touring—foreshadowing a career that would define the tabla's role in modern music.

Destined for success

A name that became iconic in music circles, Hussain's work transcended the traditional borders of Indian classical music. His collaborations spanned genres and continents, from jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd to the legendary sitarist Ravi Shankar, and from Yo-Yo Ma to George Harrison of The Beatles. It was his collaboration with Harrison that introduced him to an even broader audience, positioning Indian classical rhythms alongside Western music in a way that was both innovative and captivating.

Hussain's contributions were recognised globally. With four Grammy Awards under his belt, including honours for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album and Best Global Music Performance, Hussain's music didn't just speak to Indian audiences—it resonated across cultures. The US National Endowment for the Arts also lauded him, further cementing his place as a cultural ambassador. Perhaps one of the defining moments of his career came in 2009, when he performed a series of four sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall in New York, solidifying his international stature. That same year, his album Global Drum Project won a Grammy for Best Contemporary World Music Album, showcasing his unique ability to blend Indian rhythms with global styles.

Hussain leaves behind his wife, Antonia Minnecola, and their two daughters, Anisa and Isabella Qureshi, as well as his brothers, Taufiq and Fazal Qureshi, who are also tabla maestros.

A wave of mourning

The void left by Hussain's passing is palpable in the global music community. Composer and singer Salim Merchant reflected on the profound loss, describing Hussain as a father figure in the music industry. "Zakir Bhai was a father figure to all of us in the music industry. He was our Guru, we learned a lot from his music. I am fortunate to have spent time with him. I will never be able to forget his laughter, his smile, his words. I will always remember him," Merchant shared.

Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan expressed his sorrow on his blog, writing, "A genius... an unmatched maestro... an immeasurable loss... Zakir Hussain... has left us." Actor Kamal Hassan paid his respects on social media, sharing a throwback photo of himself with the maestro. "Zakir Bhai! He left too soon. Yet we are grateful for the times he gave us and what he left behind in the form of his art. Goodbye and Thank you," Hassan said.

Akshay Kumar's tribute was heartfelt, as he posted on X, "Very pained to know about the sad demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain Saab. He was truly a treasure for our country's musical heritage. Om Shanti."

Actor Kareena Kapoor, too, took to Instagram to honour the tabla legend. Sharing a nostalgic photo of Hussain and her father, Randhir Kapoor, she captioned it, "Maestro. Forever," reflecting the deep respect she held for him.

Filmmaker Nandita Das, who collaborated with Hussain on the background score for Manto, expressed her grief with an emotional tribute on Instagram. "Shocked and deeply saddened. An irreplaceable loss. The news feels unreal. It always will. Zakir Bhai, you will be missed. You went too soon," she said, recalling their time together and the many conversations they had. "I had the privilege of watching, observing, and learning from him. I had some unfinished conversations that I was hoping to continue with him someday."

Das continued, "My heartfelt condolences to everyone who, like me, mourns his loss and will always celebrate him and his art. Ustad Zakir Hussain will live on forever through his unparalleled music and memory of that infectious laugh that lit up our world."

Tributes flooded in from others as well, including Grammy-winning artist Ricky Kej, who wrote, "Shocked, deeply saddened, and devastated by the passing of the legend Ustad Zakir Hussain.

One of the greatest musicians and personalities India has ever produced. He was a treasure trove of skill and knowledge, and his legacy will live on forever."

Composer Vishal Dadlani tweeted, "There will never be another Ustad Zakir Hussain. My deepest condolences to his family, to all musicians and to music itself."

Acclaimed composer AR Rahman also shared his tribute on X: "Zakir Bhai was an inspiration, a towering personality who elevated the tabla to global acclaim. His loss is immeasurable for all of us. You shall be truly missed. May his family and his countless students worldwide find the strength to bear this immense loss."