Renowned tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain has passed away at the age of 73 on December 15, 2024, in San Francisco. His death was confirmed to be due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease. The music world has been left in mourning, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from across India and beyond. Among those who expressed their grief were Bollywood stars Akshay Kumar and Ranveer Singh, both of whom paid their respects to the legendary artist.
Akshay Kumar took to Instagram to share his sorrow, calling Ustad Zakir Hussain "a treasure for our country's musical heritage." The Housefull actor wrote, “Very pained to know about the sad demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain Saab. He was truly a treasure for our country's musical heritage.” The tribute from the actor reflected the deep admiration and respect the maestro garnered across various walks of life.
Ranveer Singh, known for his exuberant personality and passion for art, shared an image of Ustad Zakir Hussain along with a red heart and folded hands emoji on social media, expressing his respect and admiration for the tabla legend. These heartfelt tributes from top Bollywood figures reflect the widespread impact of Hussain’s extraordinary contributions to music and culture.
Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Ustad Zakir Hussain was the son of the iconic tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha. From a young age, he was immersed in the rich traditions of Indian classical music, eventually becoming one of its most celebrated exponents. His unique ability to blend Indian classical rhythms with international music made him a pioneer in the global fusion music scene.
One of his most iconic collaborations was with Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead, with whom he worked on the Grammy Award-winning album Planet Drum. This fusion of Indian rhythms with global percussion introduced millions to the intricate beauty of the tabla and earned Hussain recognition worldwide.
Over the years, Ustad Zakir Hussain's immense contributions to music were honored with several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 1988 and the Padma Bhushan in 2002, both bestowed by the Indian government. He also won four Grammy Awards for his outstanding work in the world music genre, further cementing his legacy as a global musical icon.
Ustad Zakir Hussain's passing marks the end of an era for Indian classical music. His influence will continue to resonate through his music, his collaborations, and the countless artists he inspired throughout his illustrious career.