Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain dies at 73
He had been hospitalised for the last two weeks and was later taken to the ICU as his condition deteriorated
By Newsmeter Network Published on 16 Dec 2024 6:48 AM IST
New Delhi: Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain died at a hospital in San Francisco, his family said on Monday.
Hussain died due to complications arising out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, according to his family. He was 73.
In the official statement on Hussain's passing on Monday, his family said, "His prolific work as a teacher, mentor and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians. He hoped to inspire the next generation to go further. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time."
"The family requests privacy at this time," it added.
He had been hospitalised for the last two weeks and was later taken to the ICU as his condition deteriorated.
However, early reports surfaced on Sunday saying that the 73-year-old musician had passed away. But these claims were dismissed by his publicist, who confirmed to PTI that he was being treated at the hospital and "has not passed".
The eldest son of legendary tabla player Allah Rakha, Hussain has followed in the footsteps of his father, becoming a marquee name in India and across the world. Hussain has received five Grammy Awards in his career, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year.
In his career spanning six decades, the musician has worked with several renowned international and Indian artistes, but it was his 1973 musical project with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar, and percussionist TH 'Vikku' Vinayakram that brought together Indian classical and elements of jazz in a fusion hitherto unknown.
The percussionist, one of India's most celebrated classical muscians, received the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.
Inputs from PTI.
