Renowned tabla virtuoso and global music icon, Ustad Zakir Hussain, has passed away at the age of 73 on December 15, 2024, in San Francisco. His death was confirmed to be caused by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic and progressive lung disease. The passing of Hussain, who was regarded as one of the greatest tabla players of all time, has left the world of music in mourning, with tributes pouring in from across the globe.
Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan expressed his sorrow on social media, writing, "a very sad day," a sentiment echoed by countless fans and fellow artists alike. Actor Kamal Haasan shared a poignant tribute with a nostalgic picture of himself and Hussain seated side-by-side with tablas, captioning it, "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. #ZakirHussain."
Zakir Hussain's impact on music was immeasurable. A trailblazer in blending traditional Indian classical rhythms with global sounds, he revolutionized the way the tabla was perceived and appreciated worldwide. His collaborations with some of the most legendary figures in both Indian and Western music shaped the modern world music scene. His notable partnerships included work with Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Vilayat Khan, and Western musicians like John McLaughlin and Mickey Hart.
One of Hussain’s most iconic projects was his collaboration with Mickey Hart on the Grammy Award-winning album Planet Drum, a groundbreaking fusion of Indian classical rhythms and global percussion styles. The album introduced millions of listeners worldwide to the power of the tabla and the intricacies of Indian rhythm. Hussain was also a central figure in the revolutionary jazz fusion group Shakti, which, alongside guitarist John McLaughlin, pushed the boundaries of both Indian classical and jazz music.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Zakir Hussain earned numerous accolades, recognizing his unparalleled contributions to music. These included the prestigious Padma Shri in 1988 and Padma Bhushan in 2002, two of India’s highest civilian honors, as well as four Grammy Awards. His work was further acknowledged with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for classical music excellence and the National Heritage Fellowship in the United States, one of the country’s highest honors for traditional artists.
Ustad Zakir Hussain’s legacy will live on in his groundbreaking music and the countless artists he inspired across the world. His virtuosity, innovation, and deep understanding of rhythm transcended borders, making him a true ambassador of Indian classical music on the global stage.