Introduction
Renowned Tabla meastro Zakir Hussain is no more .The world of music and art is mourning the death of one of the Renowned Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain ji, who was suffering from heart related problems, died today in a hospital in America. He was 73 years old. whose unique contribution has left an incomparable mark on the world stage. Revered for his art and deep connection with rhythm, the demise of Zakir Hussain ji will be considered as a symbol of the end of an era in the world of percussion and cultural artistry.
Table of Contents
Renowned tabla meastro Zakir Hussain is no more, the eldest son of the great tabla player Allah Rakha, He was born in (9 March 1951 – 15 December 2024). in Bombay, followed the path shown by his father and became a renowned name in India and across the world.Born into a family steeped in musical tradition,
Zakir Hussain’s journey began under the wonderful upbringing of his legendary father Ustad Allah Rakha. started pursuing a music career at the age of 13 ,His innate talent and tireless dedication to work led him to become a pioneer of Indian classical music, bridging Indian cultures. Zakir Hussain’s legacy is not limited to his music alone but extends to his role as a cultural ambassador who brought Indian rhythms to the world stage.
Zakir Hussain's Contribution to Music and Arts
On the tabla, Zakir Hussain redefined the possibilities of percussion. His collaborations spanned genres from Indian classical music to fusion, jazz and global music. Hussain’s work with artists such as John McLaughlin, Mickey Hart and Ravi Shankar showcased his versatility, earning him acclaim from musicians and audiences around the world.
Beyond his performances, Zakir Hussain was a dedicated teacher who inspired countless aspiring and gifted musicians through workshops, recordings and guidance. His contributions extended to films and stage productions, enriching the fabric of the global arts.
Global influence and recognition
Renowned tabla meastro Zakir Hussain is no more, hi’s influence extended far beyond the concert hall. He has received numerous prestigious awards, including the
- Padma Shri,
- Padma Bhushan and
- Grammy Awards
- testifying his influence on both Indian and global music. Zakir Hussain’s efforts to further cross-cultural understanding through music earned him the respect of world leaders and cultural icons.
- Zakir Hussain was also awarded the Government of India’s Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1990, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship, Ratna Member in 2018. In 1999,
- he was awarded the United States National Endowment for the Arts’ National Heritage Fellowship, considered the highest award given to traditional artists and musicians.
Tributes and thoughts
After news of his passing broke, tributes poured in from around the world. Fellow musicians, students and fans offered heartfelt messages, reflecting on his humility, brilliance and the transformative power of his artistry to society. Many emphasised his definition as a unifying force bringing people together through the universal language of rhythm and melody.
Shri Nitin Gadkari ji said in one of his posts, the news of the death of famous tabla player Padma Vibhushan Ustad Zakir Hussain is extremely sad. My heartfelt tribute to him. His death is an irreparable loss for the country’s art and music sector. His contribution in the field of art is unprecedented. May God give peace to the departed soul and we share the grief of his family, “Om Shanti”.