“Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain, Padma Vibhushan and 4-Time Grammy Winner, Passes Away at 73”

In March 2024, legendary tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain made history as the first Indian to win three Grammy Awards in a single night.

Renowned tabla maestro Zakir Hussain has passed away at 73 in San Francisco due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, his family confirmed in an official statement on Monday.

The world mourns the loss of a legendary Tabla maestro, whose profound contributions to music have touched countless hearts worldwide. His exceptional talent and dedication to the art of Tabla playing have left an indelible mark, inspiring generations of music lovers and musicians. His legacy will continue to resonate in the world of music for years to come, as his influence transcends borders and generations.

The iconic artist is survived by his loving wife, Antonia Minnecola, his daughters Anisa Qureshi and her family, Isabella Qureshi and her family, his brothers Taufiq Qureshi and Fazal Qureshi, and his sister Khurshid Aulia. The close-knit family remains a testament to his cherished personal life alongside his monumental career.

On Sunday, renowned flautist Rakesh Chaurasia, a close friend of the Tabla maestro, revealed that the musical legend had been admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a San Francisco hospital due to heart-related complications. The news came as a shock to the global music community, which deeply admired his artistry and unmatched contribution to Indian classical music.

The Tabla virtuoso’s journey was marked by excellence, innovation, and a deep-rooted passion for his craft. He was not only an ambassador of Indian classical music but also a symbol of cultural unity, bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary music. His performances, collaborations, and teachings have left a lasting impact, making him a revered figure in the world of music.

As the music world bids farewell to this extraordinary talent, his rhythms and teachings will continue to echo in the hearts of his admirers. His life’s work will inspire aspiring musicians to pursue excellence and uphold the timeless traditions of music.

On Sunday, early reports claimed that the 73-year-old musician had passed away. However, these rumors were denied by his publicist, who confirmed to PTI that he is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital and “is not deceased.”

At the time, Hussain’s family requested prayers and blessings from everyone for his speedy recovery. Earlier, no further details about his condition were shared.

In an official statement on Monday regarding Hussain’s passing, his family expressed, “His remarkable contributions as a teacher, mentor, and educator have left an enduring impact on countless musicians. He aspired to inspire future generations to achieve even greater heights. He leaves behind a legacy as a cultural icon and one of the greatest musicians in history.”

The family also requested privacy during this difficult time.

Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge conveyed his condolences, calling Hussain a “cultural ambassador who connected borders and generations through his mesmerizing rhythms.”

Kharge further stated, “The Padma Vibhushan tabla maestro and percussionist carried forward his father’s legacy with brilliance, showcasing his talent through exceptional performances and global collaborations. His numerous national and international accolades reflect his extraordinary contributions to music.”

This heartfelt tribute highlights Hussain’s unparalleled legacy as a legendary musician and cultural ambassador.

Legendary Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain: A Custodian of India’s Musical Heritage

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan hailed Ustad Zakir Hussain as a symbol of India’s rich musical legacy and a true preserver of classical traditions.

“Ustad Zakir Hussain played a pivotal role in bringing Indian music to the global stage. His dedication to classical traditions and unmatched contributions to the arts make his loss immeasurable. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones,” Vijayan remarked.

Zakir Hussain: A Legacy of Musical Brilliance

Born on March 9, 1951, in Mahim, Mumbai, Zakir Hussain was the son of tabla legend Ustad Allarakha, who famously accompanied Ravi Shankar. Displaying an early passion for music, he began learning tabla and mridang from his father at the age of 3. By 12, he was already captivating audiences with his performances, marking the beginning of an extraordinary musical journey.

This tribute celebrates Ustad Zakir Hussain’s monumental contributions to Indian classical music and his enduring impact on global art and culture.

Hussain shared a heartwarming story from his childhood, revealing that his father recited tabla rhythms as prayers into his ears when he was a baby.

“In our tradition, fathers recite a prayer in the baby’s ear to welcome them and share positive blessings. My father held me close, brought his lips to my ear, and instead of traditional prayers, he recited tabla rhythms. My mother was furious and asked him, ‘What are you doing? You’re supposed to recite prayers, not rhythms!’ He replied, ‘But these are my prayers. This is how I connect spiritually.’ He explained that as a devotee of Goddess Saraswati and Lord Ganesh, this was his way of passing on the knowledge he received from his teachers to his son,” Hussain recalled, as reported by PTI.

This unique gesture reflects the deep spiritual connection Hussain’s father had with music and his belief in sharing it as a legacy.

Cause of tabla maestro Zakir Hussain’s death

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