Islamabad :Renowned tabla virtuoso and globally acclaimed musician Zakir Hussain has passed away at the age of 73 in the United States. He was admitted to a hospital in the U.S. due to serious health complications and breathed his last on December 15, 2024.
According to Indian media reports, Zakir Hussain had been suffering from pulmonary fibrosis and had become extremely weak. His close friend, Rakesh Chaurasia, revealed that in his final moments, Hussain experienced heart pain and was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The legendary musician also struggled with blood pressure issues.
Zakir Hussain, the son of the famous tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha Khan, was a prominent figure in both Indian and global music circles. He began playing the tabla at the young age of seven and became widely recognized across India by the time he was just twelve years old. Throughout his illustrious career, Hussain earned significant acclaim in both Indian classical and world music.
He composed and performed music for several iconic Indian and international films and was renowned for his exceptional skill in playing the tabla. Nearly four decades ago, he moved to San Francisco with his family, where he continued to play a pivotal role in the global music scene.
Throughout his career, Zakir Hussain received numerous national and international accolades. The Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023. In 1990, he was also awarded the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, India’s highest recognition in music.
Zakir Hussain’s legacy as one of the finest tabla players in the world will continue to inspire generations of musicians.
