Legendary tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, global icon of rhythm, passes away at 73

Indian legend and world-renowned Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain has passed away at the age of 73 in San Francisco; his family confirmed the news, citing a lung-related condition as the cause of his death. A maestro who took the tabla to the global stage, Zakir Hussain leaves behind a legacy that transcends borders.

According to the family, Hussain had been experiencing blood pressure issues. As a result, he was admitted to a hospital, where he breathed his last.

Born to legendary tabla player Alla Rakha, Zakir Hussain was a multi-talented artist who was a tabla nawaz composer, percussionist, music producer, and film actor.

He was a two-time Grammy winner, first honored in 2009 for Global Drum Project and most recently in 2024, where he received three awards at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. The legendary artist collaborated with American musician Mickey Hart on the world music album Planet Drum, which earned a Grammy nomination.

In 2023, Hussain received the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, for his unparalleled contributions to music.

Hussain appeared as a tabla maestro in Dev Patel's directorial debut, the 2024 action thriller Monkey Man. He was married to Antonia Minnecola and is survived by his two daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.

A true global ambassador for Indian classical music, Zakir Hussain's rhythms will resonate in the hearts of music lovers forever.