When I first met my Guru, Ustad Zakir Hussain (Zakirbhai as I fondly called him), I was just five years old. My family had organised a musical programme of Pandit Jasraj and Ustad Zakir Hussain to honour the memory of my maternal grandmother, Sarojben Vyas. Backstage, I wandered into the green room, captivated by the presence of a tabla. Unable to resist, I began playing it.

Zakirbhai entered the room, curious about who was playing his instrument. He asked, “Aapko bajana hai?” (Do you want to play it?) With innocent determination, I said, “Yes.” Smiling, he sat me on his lap, placed my tiny hands on the Tabla, and showed me how to play. Little did I know that this moment would forever change my life. Ustad Zakir Hussain became the first to place my hands on the Tabla, setting me on a path of musical devotion and excellence.

Years later, at the age of 11, I had the courage to ask my Gurus, Ustad Alla Rakha and Ustad Zakir Hussain, to be strict with me, to expect the highest standards, and to train me with discipline so that I could strive to be the best. Their guidance was rigorous yet nurturing, shaping me into the musician I am today. Their wealth of knowledge and their exacting nature taught me the significance of discipline, precision and dedication to my craft.

When I First Performed With ‘Zakirbhai’

My first performance with Zakirbhai at the age of 15 holds a very special place in my heart for the incredible learnings I received. Initially, I thought I was merely accompanying him on his travels. To my astonishment, he informed me that I would perform with a Kathak dancer in his stead as he had to leave due to an urgent commitment. I practised all night with the Kathak artiste to prepare for the show. The next day, he surprised me again, choosing to stay and inviting me to accompany him during his Tabla solo. When I asked him which taal he intended to present, he smiled and asked my age. “Fifteen” I replied. So he chose to perform a 15-matra Pancham Sawari Taal, a complex rhythm cycle I had never even heard before. At that moment, I learned to be quick-witted, to adapt, to think on my feet, be prepared to deal with any exigency and be flexible to work with any musician or genre.

I vividly remember accompanying him to late-night concerts. After dinner, we would sit together and he would ask me for an analysis of his performance. While I felt I was in no position to judge such a great master, this was actually his style of teaching—ensuring I was paying attention, being quick-witted and staying attuned to every nuance. Then, he would recite a composition just once and then tell me he expected it to be perfected by the next morning. These formative experiences under his guidance have been invaluable to my growth as a musician.

‘Are You Still Practising’?

Another cherished memory is when he taught me the importance of balance between the left and right hand on the Tabla. He asked me to practise the simple Theka of Teen Taal for a couple of hours and nothing else until he returned. I practised diligently all day, but he didn’t return until quite late. I came back the next day and repeated the exercise. On the third day, he finally appeared and asked quizzically, “Are you still practising this?” When I told him that I was, he smiled and said, “Good. Let’s have lunch together, and then I’ll see what you’ve practised.”

Zakirbhai was the inspirational powerhouse behind several of my innovative creations: Stree Shakti (India’s first all-girl band), Ramayan on Tabla and Tabla Jugalbandi. In fact, my fusion albums, Get Recharged and Recharge Plus are all dedicated to him because of the way he made percussion an additional voice.

His yearly Tabla retreats in the US were a goldmine of knowledge. In just one week, he would impart so much wisdom that it would take an entire year to assimilate and practice what he had taught.

For me, Zakirbhai was not just a Guru but also an elder brother, who I cherished tying Rakhi to every year. He had an incredible sense of humour, a treasure trove of anecdotes, and an innate ability to make learning joyful.

His compliment in 2019, “Hats off to Anuradha Pal for being one of the earliest ones to break out, without worrying about the social repercussions,” remains one of the greatest acknowledgements I have ever received. It inspires me to push boundaries and work harder every day, carrying forward the legacy of my legendary Gurus.

His passing remains a huge personal loss, leaving a void that nothing can fill. I carry his teachings with me in every performance and in every moment of life. Zakirbhai, his music and persona are immortal and his legacy will remain a beacon of light for countless musicians and music lovers around the world.

(Pt. Anuradha Pal is an internationally acclaimed and decorated tabla player, who trained under Ustad Zakir Hussain and Ustad Alla Rakha. In 1996, she founded Stree Shakti, one of India’s first all-female classical music ensembles.)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author

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.)

New Delhi:

His fingers flew, fluttered and floated in quicksilver changes of raga and rhythm, drumming up music and magic. Zakir Hussain was the maestro of tabla, percussionist, composer and even actor – a legend who was India’s very own and yet belonged to the world.

Hussain died from ‘idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis’, a lung disease, in a San Francisco hospital early Monday. He was 73.

The artiste, a marquee name in India and abroad, leaves behind more than 60 years of music. He played on the stage alongside some of the greatest Indian and international musicians in a fusion of Indian classical and world music, giving the tabla a whole new identity.

The great percussionist created music across genres and styles, including in his repertoire jazz and concertos, naturally developing an “all-inclusive musical creativity” after learning and playing under the tutelage of his father and renowned tabla player, Alla Rakha.

“The mindset as I was growing up tuned itself to the idea that music is music, it’s not Indian music or that music, so when I actually started working with musicians who were non-Indian it seemed like a natural handshake,” Hussain told PTI almost a year ago ahead of a performance in Goa.

As the son of Alla Rakha, one of the greatest tabla players of all time, Hussain was to the music born.

He started early. The child prodigy performed his first concert at the age of seven and began touring at 12. After completing his education in Mumbai, where he was born, he moved to the United States in 1970.

The borders melted away when it came to his music.

In February, Hussain became the first musician from India to receive three Grammys at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in February for Best Global Music Album, Best Global Music Performance and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.

“I am overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of love, affection, and blessings for my multiple Grammy wins. It is impossible for me to individually respond to all of you but be assured that you are all in my heart and I’m bowing to each and every one of you in thanks. It was a great day for India at the Grammys and I’m proud to be carrying the national flag,” he wrote on Instagram at the time.

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, which includes founding member British guitarist John McLaughlin, as well as vocalist Shankar Mahadevan, violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan and percussionist Selvaganesh Vinayakram.

He later won two other awards for the best global music performance for “Pashto” and best contemporary instrumental album for “As We Speak”, along with flautist Rakesh Chaurasia, American banjo player Bela Fleck and American bassist Edgar Meyer.

In January last year, the Shakti quintet reunited for a world tour in India to much excitement from fans.

Other than Shakti, Hussain also contributed to many groundbreaking collaborations, including Masters of Percussion, Planet Drum and Global Drum Project with Mickey Hart, Tabla Beat Science, Sangam with Charles Lloyd and Eric Harland, CrossCurrents with Dave Holland and Chris Potter, in trio with Béla Fleck and Edgar Meyer, and, most recently, with Herbie Hancock.

Hussain composed three concertos. His third, the first-ever concerto for tabla and orchestra, was premiered in India in September 2015, by the Symphony Orchestra of India, in Europe and the UK in 2016, and in the US in April, 2017.

The composer who travelled and performed all across the globe had reservations against performing at private gatherings and disliked latecomers. He was also very vocal in his views.

In a conversation with author Nasreen Munni Kabir as written in her book “Zakir Hussain: A Life in Music”, Hussain said a private gathering, corporate events or weddings are not places “where music should be heard”.

“Those are places where people come to socialize, to drink and perhaps have a meal. That’s not the way music should be heard. For me, it’s the concert hall or the theatre-people take their seats, the hall darkens and we musicians take our place,” he said.

Hussain would ask the organisers to close the doors once the performance begins and not allow latecomers.

Then there was the man himself. His broad smile, boyish good looks and curly locks keeping rhythm with his fingers gave him a distinctive star persona that sometimes went beyond his music.

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.

“The magazine team came to see me and wanted me to wear all these suits and jackets and Western clothes and feature on their cover. I think they were equally shocked and surprised that I won the greatest number of votes because they had assumed the winner would be Amitabh Bachchan,” Hussain is quoted as saying by Kabir.

Besides his work as a tabla player, Hussain also composed music for many movies, including “Manto” and “Mr and Mrs Iyer”.

He also acted in the Merchant Ivory film production “Heat and Dust”, “The Perfect Murder” and “Saaz”, opposite Shabana Azmi.

In 1988, Hussain became a household name as the face of the Taj Mahal Tea brand.

In a 33-second TV commercial, the ustad was shown immersed in his tabla riyaaz, only to later sip on a cup of Taj tea. The voiceover, by the famous Harish Bhimani, would then compliment Hussain’s skills saying “Wah Ustad, wah!”. To which, the percussionist would reply: “Arre huzoor, wah Taj boliye!” That “Wah Taj” became an oft used buzzword for many an occasion, and still remembered all these years later.

The same year, Hussain also shared screen space with his father Allah Rakha in the iconic national integration song “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara” which premiered on Doordarshan.

He is survived by his wife Antonia Minnecola and 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 and Officier in France’s Order of Arts and Letters.

As his countless fans bid farewell to the artiste who transcended boundaries, of music and of geography, and went too soon, many could only say – “Wah Ustad”. 

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:

New Delhi:

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain died at a hospital in San Francisco, his family said on Monday.

Hussain died due to complications arising out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, according to his family. He was 73.

He had been hospitalised for the last two weeks and was later taken to the ICU as his condition deteriorated.

Hussain has received four Grammy Awards in his career, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year.

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 TH ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram that brought together Indian classical and elements of jazz in a fusion hitherto unknown.

The percussionist, one of India’s most celebrated classical musicians, received the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023. 

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

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, battling heart-related problems, died at a US hospital today. He was 73. 

His manager, Nirmala Bachani, said he was admitted to a hospital in San Francisco. 

“Zakir Hussain, the peerless North Indian tabla player, favors an impish strain of virtuosity. He’s a fearsome technician but also a whimsical inventor, devoted to exuberant play. So he rarely seems overbearing, even when the blur of his fingers rivals the beat of a hummingbird’s wings,” wrote New York Times about the artist when he performed at Carnegie Hall in 2009. 

The Bombay-born eldest son of legendary tabla player Allah Rakha, Zakir Hussain followed in the footsteps of his father, becoming a marquee name in India and across the world.

Once narrating the story of his first booking, the percussionist said a letter came to their house offering a concert date to his father. Zakir wrote back saying that his father would not be able to accept the engagement but that his son was available. However, he didn’t mention in the letter that he was only 13. It worked, and his musical career was under way. 

A recipient of many awards, he received five Grammy Awards in his career, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year.

In a 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 TH ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram that brought together Indian classical and elements of jazz in a fusion hitherto unknown.

The percussionist, one of India’s most celebrated classical muscians, received the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.

Zakir Hussain, the peerless tabla player and multiple Grammy award winner, is critical and in a US hospital over serious heart-related ailments, his family said on Sunday.

His manager, Nirmala Bachani, said the artist he has been in a San Francisco hospital for the last two weeks.

“My brother is deeply ill at this time. We are asking for all his fans around India and around the world to pray for him, to pray for his health. But as India’s greatest ever exports, do not finish him off just yet,” Zakir Hussain’s sister Khurshid Aulia told news agency PTI amid multiple reports that her brother had died.

“I just want to request all the media not to follow wrong information about Zakir’s passing. He is very much breathing at the moment. He is very very critical, but he’s still with us. He has not yet gone. So, I will request (the media) not to spread this rumour by writing or saying that he has passed away. I feel so bad watching all this information on Facebook which is very wrong,” she added.

“He is unwell and admitted in the ICU right now. We all are worried about the situation,” Zakir Hussain’s friend and flautist Rakesh Chaurasia also told the news agency.

Union Ministers, Chief Ministers and others posted on X paying tributes to the tabla maestro amid death reports though there was no official statement from Zakir Hussain’s family.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Ministry, which posted about the artist’s death, later deleted its post on X. 

“I am Zakir Hussain nephew and he has not passed away. We ask for prayers for my Uncle’s health. Can you please remove this misinformation. He is in a serious condition and we ask for all his fans around the world to pray for his health,” said Ameer Aulia on X.

The Bombay-born eldest son of legendary tabla player Allah Rakha, Zakir Hussain followed in the footsteps of his father, becoming a marquee name in India and across the world.

“Zakir Hussain, the peerless North Indian tabla player, favors an impish strain of virtuosity. He’s a fearsome technician but also a whimsical inventor, devoted to exuberant play. So he rarely seems overbearing, even when the blur of his fingers rivals the beat of a hummingbird’s wings,” wrote New York Times about the artist when he performed at Carnegie Hall in 2009.

Once narrating the story of his first booking, the percussionist said a letter came to their house offering a concert date to his father. Zakir wrote back saying that his father would not be able to accept the engagement but that his son was available. However, he didn’t mention in the letter that he was only 13. It worked, and his musical career was under way.

The musician has 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 TH ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram that brought together Indian classical and elements of jazz in a fusion hitherto unknown.

The percussionist, one of India’s most celebrated classical musicians, received the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.