Percussionist A. Sivamani performs during the funeral of Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain at Fernwood Cemetery in San Francisco, USA on Thursday (December 19, 2024).
| Photo Credit: PTI

Zakir Hussain was laid to rest on Thursday (December 19, 2024) at a San Francisco cemetery as renowned percussionist A, Sivamani and other artistes performed on their drums at a little distance away in a tribute to the tabla maestro.

Hussain, one of the world’s most accomplished percussionists, died at a San Francisco hospital on Monday (December 16, 2024) due to complications arising from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease. He was 73.

He was laid to rest at the Fernwood cemetery in San Francisco on Thursday (December 19, 2024).

Hundreds of his admirers gathered at Hussain’s funeral to pay their last respects. Sivamani and several other musicians played drums at a little distance away to pay him a tribute.

Mr. Sivamani told PTI Video, “Rhythm is God, that is you Zakir bhai. I learned a lot in our journey from 1982 till now. Every moment you are here with us in the rhythm. Every time I hit the rhythm, you are there. We love you Zakir Bhai. Have a lovely journey. Please give my pranam to all the masters.”

Hussain, the son of the legendary tabla player Alla Rakha, revolutionised the instrument, taking it beyond the limits of classical music to other forms, including jazz and Western classical.

The celebrated musician, one of India’s most well-known, received four Grammy Awards in his career spanning six decades, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year.

Hussain is survived by his wife Antonia Minnecola and daughters Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.

Hussain received the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.

In his career spanning six decades, the musician worked with several renowned international and Indian artistes, but it was his 1973 musical project with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L. Shankar, and percussionist T.H. ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram that brought together Indian classical and elements of jazz in a fusion hitherto unknown.

Sivamani after Hussain’s death in a Facebook post said he would go to San Francisco to see him for the last time.

“No Zakir Bhai, you cannot leave us like this. This is just unbelievable. I’m on the way to San Francisco. I want to see you, one last time. I want to hold your hands, my brother, my Guru. I’m devastated. life will never be the same again,” Mr. Sivamani had said.

Messages of condolence poured in on social media as the news of Hussain’s demise spread.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him a true genius who revolutionised the world of Indian classical music.

Grammy winner musician Ricky Kej remembered Hussain for his “immense humility, approachable nature”.

“One of the greatest musicians and personalities India has ever produced. Along with being the best himself, Zakirji was known for…being responsible for the careers of numerous musicians, who are now forces to reckon with themselves. He was a treasure trove of skill and knowledge and always shared and encouraged the entire music community through collaborations and his actions. His legacy will live on forever, and his influence will be felt for generations. He left us too soon,” Mr. Kej had written on X after his demise.

New Delhi:

The world of music is mourning Ustad Zakir Hussain, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential tabla players of all time.

The legendary musician died due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease. The news was confirmed by Jon Bleicher of Prospect PR, representing the family.

From celebrities to cabinet ministers, tributes poured in to honour the tabla maestro. Rajya Sabha member Sudha Murty expressed her deep sorrow at his death, crediting him with introducing the tabla to Western audiences.

“Hearing of Zakir Hussain’s death brings me immense pain. He introduced the beauty of the tabla to the Western world. He was a good human being, and I knew him personally. It is a great loss to India and the music world,” said Sudha Murty while speaking to ANI.

Ustad Zakir Hussain’s death marks the end of an era in world music. His extraordinary career, spanning nearly six decades, elevated the tabla from a supporting instrument in Indian classical music to a leading voice on the global stage.

Renowned for his virtuosity and emotive expression, Hussain was not just a performer but also a cultural ambassador who bridged the gap between traditional Indian rhythms and global musical genres.

Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Zakir Hussain was the son of iconic tabla master Ustad Alla Rakha. From a young age, he demonstrated an exceptional talent for the tabla, gaining recognition early in life. By his teenage years, he was already performing alongside some of the greatest Indian classical musicians.

Throughout his illustrious career, Ustad Zakir Hussain collaborated with some of the most iconic names in both Indian and international music. He worked with legends such as Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Vilayat Khan and played a pivotal role in forming international fusion bands like Shakti with guitarist John McLaughlin and Planet Drum with Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart.

His collaboration on the Planet Drum album earned him a Grammy Award, one of many accolades in his remarkable career.

Zakir Hussain’s contributions to music were celebrated with numerous prestigious honours, including the Padma Shri (1988) and Padma Bhushan (2002) from the Indian government, along with four Grammy Awards.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid condolences to tabla maestro Zakir Hussain who died at the age of 73 in a San Francisco hospital on Monday. PM Modi described Ustad Husain as someone who “revolutionised” Indian classical music. 

“Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary tabla maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain Ji. He will be remembered as a true genius who revolutionized the world of Indian classical music. He also brought the tabla to the global stage, captivating millions with his unparalleled rhythm. Through this, he seamlessly blended Indian classical traditions with global music, thus becoming an icon of cultural unity,” PM Modi posted on X. 

Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary tabla maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain Ji. He will be remembered as a true genius who revolutionized the world of Indian classical music. He also brought the tabla to the global stage, captivating millions with his unparalleled rhythm.…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2024

“His iconic performances and soulful compositions will contribute to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers alike. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the global music community,” PM Modi added. 

According to Ustad Hussain’s family, he was suffering from complications caused due to a chronic lung disease. “He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come,” the statement read.

Mr Hussain was hospitalised for two weeks and was shifted to an intensive care unit (ICU) before his death. 

Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, the legend known for his ‘dancing fingers’, died at 73 in a San Francisco hospital early Monday. He was suffering from complications caused by a chronic lung disease, his family said in a statement.

“He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come,” the statement read.

Zakir Hussain had been in hospital for the past two weeks and was shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after his condition deteriorated.

According to his sister, Khurshid Aulia, the music legend died “very peacefully”.

Zakir Hussain’s death marks the end of an era in the world of music.

Born on March 9, 1951, to a family of musical excellence, Zakir Hussain was the eldest son of legendary tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha and a child prodigy, by all accounts.

The tabla virtuoso began his professional career at the age of 12, accompanying Indian classical musicians. Years of discipline and training were peppered by childish “escape attempts” that always ended at home – and a good sounding off from his mother – as Zakir Hussain realised that the future he wanted started at home.

By 18, he was already performing on international stages. As he won acclaim for his accompaniment, his dazzling solo performances, and pioneering collaborative work to develop a dialogue between North and South Indian musicians, the status of the table soared, both in India and across the world.

Some of his unique and historic collaborations include Shakti, Remember Shakti, Masters of Percussion, Planet Drum and Global Drum Project with Mickey Hart, and Tabla Beat Science, among others.

Zakir Hussain’s work was not just confined to classical music. He has also collaborated with some of the greatest names in music across genres such as George Harrison, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and jazz musician Herbie Hancock.

The tabla maestro has received several honorary doctorates. In 2019, he received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, India’s highest honour for artists. 

Earlier this year, Zakir Hussain became the first musician from India to receive three Grammy awards at one time. He received Grammys for Best Global Music Album, Best Global Music Performance, and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.

Across social media platforms, messages of grief and admiration for the legend have been pouring in. Musicians, artists, and fans from around the globe have expressed their sorrow, celebrating the legacy of a man whose artistry transcended borders.

Renowned sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan, who had many collaborations with Zakir Hussain, wrote on X, “Words fail me at this point. I am completely heartbroken and devastated to hear about Zakir Bhai. Ustad Zakir Hussain was a phenomenon. He was indeed one of the most loved musicians the world saw.”

In his last social media post, Zakir Hussain had shared a video capturing the essence of the fall season in the US back in October. “Trees, changing colours, all colours, gently swaying in the wind… So beautiful to watch.. The movement is so graceful, so unbelievable. I wanna walk out here… “

In the caption, he wrote, “Just sharing a wonder moment.”

Mumbai:

Eight years ago, tabla maestro Zakir Hussain had narrated how his father Alla Rakha had welcomed him into this world by putting the musical instrument’s rhythms into his ears when asked to recite prayers.

Mumbai-born Zakir Hussain passed away at a hospital in San Francisco due to complications arising out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, his family said on Monday.

Zakir Hussain spoke of his father holding him in his arms for the first time. Alla Rakha was an accomplished tabla player and a frequent accompanist of iconic sitar player Pandit Ravi Shankar.

“I was brought home and handed over to my dad in his arms. The tradition was that the father is supposed to recite a prayer in the baby’s ear, welcoming the baby and putting some good words.

“So he takes me in his arms, puts his lips to my ear and recites the tabla rhythms into my ears. My mother was livid. She said, what are you doing? You’re supposed to say, you know, prayers, not rhythms.

“And he said, but these are my prayers. This is how I pray. He said, I am the worshipper of Goddess Saraswati and Lord Ganesh. This was a devout Muslim talking. He said this is the knowledge he got from his teachers and wanted to pass it on to his son,” Zakir Hussain said.

Music and Prayer-Zakir Hussain tells the story of when his father whispered tals or beats into his ears!#zakirhussainpic.twitter.com/73OS5HuMjk

— sanjoy ghose (@advsanjoy) December 15, 2024

Born on March 9, 1951 in Mumbai, Ustad Zakir Hussain was awarded the Padma Shri in 1988, Padma Bhushan in 2002 and Padma Vibhushan in 2023.

Zakir Hussain had his early education from St. Michael’s School in Mahim and did his graduation from St Xavier’s College, both in Mumbai.

During his early days, he used to travel by train and if he could not find a seat, he would spread newspapers on the floor and sleep. During such journeys, so that no one’s feet touched his tabla, he used to sleep with the musical instruments in his lap.

In another interview, Zakir Hussain had recalled an incident when he was 12 years old. He had gone to a concert with his father. Music stalwarts like Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Bismillah Khan, Pandit Shanta Prasad and Pandit Kishan Maharaj were also present at that concert.

Zakir Hussain went on stage with his father and got five rupees for the performance. “I have earned a lot of money in my life, but those five rupees were the most valuable,” the tabla maestro had said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

The magic of his dexterous fingers on tabla echoed through the world of music, both Indian classical and jazz, transcending genres and borders. Rightfully considered one of India’s best percussionists, Zakir Hussain died today in the US at 73, leaving behind an irreparable void in the world of music. 

Here’s a brief look at his life through pictures with some other legends: