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Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain died in a hospital in San Francisco, United States, his family said . He was 73. He was earlier admitted in critical condition and was in ICU .
Hussain died from complications arising out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the family said in a statement.
He had been in hospital for the past two weeks and was shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after his condition deteriorated.
Hussain’s sister Khurshid Aulia said he passed away ‘very peacefully’.
“He passed away very peacefully after the ventilation machine was switched off. This was 4 pm San Francisco time,” she told PTI.
Regarded as the greatest tabla player of his generation, Hussain is survived by his wife Antonia Minnecola and their daughters — Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.
Born on March 9, 1951, he was the son of legendary tabla master Ustad Alla Rakha.
The family said in its 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.”
As soon as the news came in tributes on X came one after another :
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
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
Rahul Gandhi, Leader Of Opposition
महान तबला वादक उस्ताद ज़ाकिर हुसैन जी के निधन का समाचार बेहद दुखद है।
उनका जाना संगीत जगत के लिए बड़ी क्षति है। इस दुख की घड़ी में मेरी संवेदनाएं उनके परिवार और प्रशंसकों के साथ हैं।
उस्ताद ज़ाकिर हुसैन जी अपनी कला की ऐसी विरासत छोड़ गए हैं, जो हमेशा हमारी यादों में जीवित… pic.twitter.com/2lVcgf3ESv
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 16, 2024
Shashi Tharoor, Senior Congress Leader
Immeasurably saddened by the passing of Ustad Zakir Hussain today. We only met briefly once, but I have always admired his talent, his music performances, and even his screen presence in the 1989 film, “Heat and Dust”. And we shared an intimate personal connection – our… https://t.co/jjuDgZp5wh
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 15, 2024
Gaurav Gogoi, Congress Deputy Leader, Lok Sabha
The passing of Ustad Zakir Hussain is a profound loss for the world of music. His virtuosity on the tabla captivated audiences worldwide, transcending cultural boundaries. Ustadji’s immense contribution to the world of music will live on through his countless masterpieces. My…
— Gaurav Gogoi (@GauravGogoiAsm) December 15, 2024
Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal Chief Minister
Deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely death of Ustad Zakir Hussain, the renowned maestro and one of the greatest tabla players of all times. This is a huge loss for the country and his millions of admirers across the planet.
I convey my sincere condolences to the family,…
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 16, 2024
S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister
Deeply saddened at the passing away of tabla maestro Zakir Hussain.
A musical genius and a cultural icon, he popularised Indian classical music at the global stage and leaves behind an impressive legacy.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 16, 2024
