Zakir Hussain, the iconic tabla maestro, passed away at the age of 73 due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. His family confirmed the news on Monday. He had been hospitalized in San Francisco for two weeks before his condition worsened, leading to his ICU admission.
Zakir Hussain, a global ambassador for Indian classical music, became a household name in India in 1988 as the face of Taj Mahal Tea. His passing leaves a void in the world of music, where he was known for his unmatched tabla skills and contributions to both Indian and international music.
Born in Mumbai on March 9, 1951, Hussain was the son of the legendary Ustad Alla Rakha Qureshi, a tabla virtuoso who was a longtime collaborator of Ravi Shankar. Zakir showed an interest in playing tabla at an early age and began performing publicly by the age of 12. His father’s influence was profound, as he taught him to play the mridangam and tabla from the age of three.
A Legacy in Music
Zakir Hussain’s musical journey was extraordinary. He collaborated with renowned artists like Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, and Shivkumar Sharma. Hussain also worked with Western musicians like The Beatles, Yo-Yo Ma, and George Harrison, helping introduce Indian classical music to the global stage.
He earned numerous accolades, including the Padma Vibhushan (2023), Padma Bhushan (2002), and Padma Shri (1988). Hussain also received several Grammy Awards throughout his career, including two in 2024, one for his collaboration with John McLaughlin and Shakti, and two for his work with Béla Fleck and Edgar Meyer.
Film Contributions and Cameos
In addition to his musical achievements, Hussain was also involved in films. He acted in movies like Heat and Dust (1983) and Saaz (1997), and made cameos in Thanthu Vitten Ennai (1991) and Monkey Man (2024). His music featured in films such as Agnivarsha, Miss Beatty’s Children, and For Real.
Family and Survived by Loved Ones
Zakir Hussain is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, and daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi, along with his brothers Taufiq and Fazal Qureshi. His contributions to music and culture will continue to inspire generations to come.
A True Legend
Zakir Hussain’s musical legacy is unmatched. He once said, “I just want to play music. My legacy will be written after I die.” His magic will live on through his timeless music, and he will always be remembered as one of the finest tabla maestros the world has ever seen.
Follow Telugu Funda on trending Social Media Platforms for more Cinema, OTT, Political, And Sports updates.
