Legendary Percussionist and Cultural Icon Remembered for Revolutionizing Tabla and Bridging Borders Through Music
New Delhi, December 15: India mourns the loss of legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, who passed away at the age of 73 due to heart-related issues at a hospital in San Francisco. Known as one of the world’s finest percussionists, Zakir Hussain’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian classical music.
Zakir Hussain, the eldest son of tabla virtuoso Allah Rakha, followed his father’s footsteps to become an icon in Indian music, earning global acclaim for his mesmerizing rhythms and innovative musical fusions.
A Life of Rhythmic Excellence
Hussain’s musical journey began early. He once shared a charming anecdote about writing to accept a concert booking for his father, only to attend it himself at the tender age of 13. This bold move launched a stellar career spanning six decades.
Celebrated worldwide, Zakir Hussain was lauded by the New York Times in 2009 as a “fearsome technician” and a “whimsical inventor” whose tabla rhythms were as delicate and fast as “a hummingbird’s wings.”
His trailblazing work in the 1973 fusion project Shakti with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar, and percussionist Vikku Vinayakram redefined music by blending Indian classical traditions with jazz, creating an enduring global legacy.
Tributes Pour In
As news of his passing spread, heartfelt tributes poured in from across the world.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari described Hussain’s death as an “irreparable loss” to India’s art and music sector.
“His contribution to the field of art is unprecedented. His dedication and talent will always be remembered,” Gadkari posted on X.
Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted Hussain’s universal appeal: “Zakir Hussain Ji’s tabla spoke a universal language, transcending borders, cultures, and generations.”
Industrialist Anand Mahindra shared a poignant post: “The rhythm of India paused today.” He accompanied the message with a video of a jugalbandi between Zakir Hussain and the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
Harsh Goenka, Chairman of RPG Enterprises, remembered the maestro’s profound influence: “The world falls silent as the tabla loses its maestro. His beats will echo eternally.”
Achievements and Honors
Zakir Hussain’s illustrious career earned him numerous accolades, including:
- Five Grammy Awards, three of which were won earlier this year.
- Padma Shri (1988), Padma Bhushan (2002), and the prestigious Padma Vibhushan (2023).
A Global Ambassador for Indian Music
Known for elevating the tabla’s role from an accompanying instrument to a global phenomenon, Hussain collaborated with countless Indian and international artists, leaving an indelible mark on the music world.
From mesmerizing solo performances to groundbreaking fusion collaborations, Zakir Hussain will forever be remembered as a rhythmic genius who brought Indian music to global stages, connecting cultures and generations.
The beats of his tabla may have paused, but the rhythm of his legacy will echo forever.