Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away at the age of 73 on December 15, Sunday, in San Francisco. The cause of death was confirmed to be idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease.
A PR representing his family confirmed the news. "He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come," They said in a statement. Ustad Zakir Hussain's passing marks the end of an era. Bollywood celebrities expressed their grief and paid homage to the legendary Tabla maestro.
Amitabh Bachchan took to X and wrote, "a very sad day". Actor Kareena Kapoor Khan shared a snap on her Instagram story in which Ustad Zakir Hussain was seen shaking hands with veteran actor Randhir Kapoor. She captioned the picture, "Maestro forever' accompanied by a red heart emoji.
Actor Riteish Deshmukh called the demise of the Tabla maestro a 'devastating blow to India and global music community." While offering his condolences to the family, the actor wrote, "The irreparable loss of Zakir Hussain Sahab is a devastating blow to India and the global music community. Sir, Your music was a gift, a treasure that will continue to inspire and uplift generations to come. Your legacy will live on. May your soul rest in eternal glory, surrounded by the rhythms and melodies. Condolences to the family and loved ones of the legendary Zakir Hussain Sahab."
Akshay Kumar called Ustad Zakir Hussain a 'treasure' of the country's musical heritage. Taking to his Instagram handle, 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." Ranveer Singh paid his tribute to the legend by sharing a picture on his social media handles.
"You made India richer. Thank you for your contribution," wrote BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut on her Instagram stories alongside an old video of Hussain. Filmmaker Hansal Mehta also condoled the illustrious musician's passing. "The maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away a few hours ago. Goodbye Ustadji. The man who made the tabla sexy, who brought an accompanying instrument to the forefront is gone. Deepest condolences to his family, fans and students around the globe," Mehta said on X.
Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, India, Zakir Hussain was the son of the iconic tabla master Ustad Alla Rakha. His collaboration on the Planet Drum album with Grateful Dead's Mickey Hart also earned him a Grammy Award.
Zakir Hussain's contributions to music were recognized by numerous prestigious awards over the years, including the Padma Shri (1988) and Padma Bhushan (2002) from the Indian government, as well as four Grammy Awards.
On Sunday evening, unconfirmed reports of Hussain's death started doing rounds on social media. 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 family confirmed his demise a few hours later.
Hussain is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, his daughters Anisa Qureshi and her family, Isabella Qureshi and her family, his brothers Taufiq and Fazal Qureshi, and his sister Khurshid Aulia.