Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passes away at 73: All you need to know about his life, family, career and legacy | – Times of India

Zakir Hussain, one of the most celebrated tabla virtuosos of all time, passed away at the age of 73 in San Francisco due to complications arising from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The news of his death, confirmed by his family on Monday, has sent waves of grief across the global music community. His family’s statement highlighted his extraordinary legacy, stating, “He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come.”

Hospitalisation
The 73-year-old US-based musician, had reportedly been having blood pressure issues, Hussain’s manager Nirmala Bachani said in a statement. “He has been admitted to a hospital in San Francisco for a heart-related problem for the last two weeks,” Bachani said.

Amid reports claiming that Hussain had died on Sunday, the family’s representative Jon Bleicher clarified in a statement to PTI, “Zakir is currently in a critical condition following complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The reports that he has passed are incorrect.”
His sister Khursheed told PTI, “My brother is deeply ill at this time. We are asking 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.”
Hussain’s publicist also confirmed to PTI that the percussionist is being treated at the San Francisco hospital and “has not passed”.

Aliment
Actor-singer Durga Jasraj, who had a conversation with Hussain’s wife, exclusively told ETimes, “I just spoke to Zakir Bhai’s wife. She said the reason for his ailment is fibrosis in his lungs, and he’s extremely weak. We have to just pray for his journey back to where he came from.”
Personal Life
Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Zakir Hussain was the son of renowned tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha. A child prodigy, he began performing at the age of seven and quickly rose to prominence and was widely regarded as the greatest tabla player of his generation.
He is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, daughters Anisa and Isabella Qureshi, and extended family, including his brothers Taufiq and Fazal Qureshi and sister Khurshid Aulia. Known for his humility and charm, Hussain was as beloved for his personality as for his unmatched musical talent.

Education
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.
Early Days
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.
First Performance
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.

Music Career
Zakir Hussain collaborated with nearly all of India’s iconic performers, including legends such as Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, and Shivkumar Sharma. His groundbreaking partnerships with Western artists like Yo-Yo Ma, Charles Lloyd, Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Mickey Hart, George Harrison, and John McLaughlin introduced Indian classical music to global audiences, cementing his status as a true cultural ambassador.
Renowned for elevating the tabla to the status of a virtuoso instrument, Hussain is widely regarded as a chief architect of the contemporary world music movement. His unparalleled mastery of rhythm allowed him to traverse musical boundaries, fostering authentic connections between diverse genres.
He participated in numerous historic collaborations, including Shakti (which he co-founded with John McLaughlin and L. Shankar), Remember Shakti, Making Music, The Diga Rhythm Band, Planet Drum, Global Drum Project (with Mickey Hart), Tabla Beat Science, and Sangam (with Charles Lloyd and Eric Harland). His performances and recordings featured an extraordinary range of collaborators, from George Harrison and Yo-Yo Ma to Joe Henderson, Van Morrison, Pharoah Sanders, Billy Cobham, and the Kodo drummers.

Over a career spanning six decades, Hussain worked with both Indian and international luminaries, but his 1973 project with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L. Shankar, and percussionist T.H. ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram was particularly groundbreaking. It fused Indian classical music with elements of jazz in a style previously unexplored, paving the way for a new era of musical experimentation.
Beyond Music
In addition to his legendary career as a tabla maestro, Zakir Hussain made significant contributions as a composer, creating music for films such as Manto and Mr. and Mrs. Iyer. He also ventured into acting, appearing in notable films like Merchant Ivory’s Heat and Dust, The Perfect Murder, and Saaz, where he starred alongside 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!”
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.
The ‘Sexiest Man’ Title
With his broad smile, boyish charm, and trademark curly locks swaying in rhythm with his tabla, Zakir Hussain’s charisma extended far beyond his musical genius.
In 1994, he was voted the “sexiest man” by women readers of the Indian magazine Gentleman, outshining iconic contenders like Amitabh Bachchan.
Recalling the unexpected win, Hussain shared, “The magazine team came to see me and wanted me to wear all these suits, jackets, and Western clothes for their cover. I think they were as shocked as I was when I won the most votes—they had assumed the winner would be Amitabh Bachchan,” as quoted by Kabir.

Awards
Hussain’s illustrious career was adorned with numerous accolades, including four Grammy Awards. In a historic achievement, he became the first Indian musician to win three Grammys at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2024. He was recognised in the categories of Best Global Music Album (This Moment), Best Global Music Performance (Pashto), and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album (As We Speak).
Expressing his gratitude, he wrote on Instagram, “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.”
At the 2024 Grammys, Hussain’s This Moment with the fusion group Shakti—featuring British guitarist John McLaughlin, vocalist Shankar Mahadevan, violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan, and percussionist Selvaganesh Vinayakram—earned him his first award of the evening. He later shared honours with flautist Rakesh Chaurasia, American banjo player Béla Fleck, and bassist Edgar Meyer for their collaborative work.