Ustad Zakir Hussain: The Rhythm Of India That Echoed Worldwide
Zakir Hussain, a tabla maestro, percussionist, composer, and even an actor, was a legendary figure who was deeply rooted in Indian heritage yet connected with the global music community.
Hussain passed away from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease, at a hospital in San Francisco early Monday. He was 73 years old.
Renowned both in India and internationally, he performed alongside some of the world’s greatest musicians, blending Indian classical traditions with global influences and elevating the tabla to a whole new dimension.
The artist, who enjoyed a career spanning over six decades, leaves behind a rich legacy of music.
The great percussionist created music across genres and styles, including in his repertoire jazz and concertos, after learning and playing under the tutelage of his father and renowned tabla player, Alla Rakha.
At the 2024 Grammys, Hussain earned his first honour for best global music album for “This Moment” as part of the fusion music group Shakti.
The percussionist was once voted the “sexiest man” by women readers of the Indian magazine “Gentleman” in 1994 in a competition against the likes of Amitabh Bachchan.
He was married to Antonia Minnecola, a Kathak dancer and teacher. Together, they had two daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.
Apart from four Grammys, Hussain was the recipient of countless awards and honours, including Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the USA's National Heritage Fellowship.