Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passes away at 73
The musician passed away in a San Francisco hospital, due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Zakir Hussain, considered one of the greatest players of the tabla or Indian drums and known for his 'dancing fingers', passed away at the age of 73.
Hussain died in a San Francisco hospital from complications of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis - a chronic lung disease, his family said in a statement.
The eldest son of legendary tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha, Hussain was a child prodigy, beginning his professional career at the age of 12 accompanying Indian classical musicians. By 18, he was touring internationally, winning acclaim for his accompaniment, dazzling solo performances and pioneering collaborative work with world musicians that elevated the status of the tabla in India and abroad.
Collaborators included George Harrison, cellist Yo-Yo Ma and jazz musician Herbie Hancock.
He was nominated for seven Grammy awards, winning four including three this year, according to the Grammy website. He was also the recipient of India's highest honour for artists, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
The musician's passing has sparked an outpouring of grief from celebrities across generations and diverse fields.
Very pained to know about the sad demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain Saab. He was truly a treasure for our country’s musical heritage. Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/a5TWDMymfZ
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) December 16, 2024
Kareena Kapoor put up a story to condole the musician's death.Kareena Kapoor's Instagram
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 pic.twitter.com/ln1cmID5LV
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) December 16, 2024
Manoj Bajpayee on Zakir Hussain's demiseManoj Bajpayee's Instagram
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