Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain passes away at the age of 73

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away at the age of 73 in the US on Sunday, December 15. The musician was hospitalized in the US due to serious health concerns, with an update shared on social media. According to reports, Zakir was admitted to the ICU following heart-related problems. His close friend, flautist Rakesh Chaurasia, had confirmed the news. A source also mentioned that the 73-year-old musician has been facing blood pressure issues.

Rakesh Chaurasia said that Zakir Hussain was receiving treatment at a hospital in San Francisco for a heart-related issue over the past week. He shared that Zakir was unwell and currently in the ICU, and everyone was deeply concerned about his health.

Zakir Hussain, son of the legendary tabla virtuoso Ustad Alla Rakha Khan, is a renowned figure in both Indian and global music. He began his tabla journey at the age of seven and was already performing across India by 12. Throughout his career, he has made remarkable contributions to both Indian classical and world music.

Renowned both in India and globally, Hussain has earned an impressive five Grammy Awards throughout his career, including a remarkable three accolades at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year. One of India's most celebrated classical musicians, Hussain was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.

Throughout his six-decade-old career, the musician has collaborated with numerous celebrated Indian and international artists. However, it was his groundbreaking 1973 project with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar, and percussionist TH 'Vikku' Vinayakram that redefined music by blending Indian classical traditions with elements of jazz, creating a fusion style previously unheard of.