big jackpotZakir Hussain passes away at 73 Photo: PTI Zakir Hussain passes away at 73 Photo: PTI Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain has passed away at the age of 73 in San Francisco from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, astatement from his family confirmed on Monday.
He had been hospitalised for the last two weeks and was later taken to the ICU after his condition deteriorated.
The legendary Tabla virtuoso leaves behind a legacy that is cherished and respected by countless music lovers across the world, with an influence that will be reflected in generations to come.
He has received five Grammy Awards in his career, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year.
He was also recipient of Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.
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.
India, the most successful team in the competition, now have five titles, including back-to-back triumphs in 2023 and 2024. The victory adds to their bronze medal secured at the Paris Olympic Games last month.
After a goalless first quarter, Korea struck just 36 seconds into the second quarter with Jungjun Lee finding the net due to a mistake from Pakistan goalkeeper Abdullah Ishtiyaq Khan. The goal remained the difference between the two teams till the half-time.
Starting early at the age of seven, he went on to collaborate with virtually all of India’s iconic performers, including Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan and Shivkumar Sharma in his career.
His groundbreaking work with Western musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma, Charles Lloyd, Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Mickey Hart, and George Harrison brought Indian classical music to an international audience, cementing his status as a global cultural ambassador.
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The news of his passing away broke first on Sunday evening but was later retracted by his family and friends who said he was “critical but alive”.
Hussain is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, his daughters Anisa Qureshi and her family, Isabella Qureshi and her family, his brothers Taufiq and Fazal Qureshi, and his sister Khurshid Aulia.
Earlier on Sunday, Hussain's friend and flautist Rakesh Chaurasia had said that the Tabla legend was admitted to the San Francisco hospital's ICU with heart-related problems.
Congress leader and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi in a post on X wrote, "The news of the demise of the great tabla player Ustad Zakir Hussain ji is extremely sad. His demise is a great loss for the music world. My condolences are with his family and fans in this hour of grief..."
MoS Harsh Sanghavi in a post wrote, "Saddened by the demise of the legendary Zakir Hussain. His mesmerizing tabla performances will forever be etched in our hearts. Rest in rhythm, maestro!"
UP CM Yogi Adityanath in a post on X wrote, "The demise of world-renowned tabla player, 'Padma Vibhushan' Ustad Zakir Hussain ji is extremely sad and an irreparable loss to the music world. I pray to God to grant salvation to the departed soul and give strength to his bereaved family and grief-stricken fans to bear this immense loss. Om peace!"
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee tweeted, "Deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely death of Ustad Zakir Hussain, the renowned maestro and one of the greatest tabla players of all time. This is a huge loss for the country and its millions of admirers across the planet. I convey my sincere condolences to the family, fraternity and followers of the great artist."
The eldest son of legendary tabla player Allah Rakhajollibet, Hussain has followed in the footsteps of his father, becoming a marquee name in India and across the world.