Trigger warning: This article mentions someone’s death.
Ustad Zakir Hussain became a world famous tabla player when he took his unique skills across the borders. The Indian artist won accolades at several prestigious international award ceremonies and was also awarded the Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India in 2023. When the news of his deteriorating health came into the limelight, his fans became worried. We are heartbroken to announce that the greatest tabla player of all time is no more with us.
Earlier today, December 15, 2024, Zakir Hussain’s close friend, flatist Rakesh Chaurasia, confirmed to PTI that the tabloid player has reportedly been admitted to a hospital in San Francisco due to cardiac issues. “He has been admitted to a hospital in San Francisco since last week due to a heart problem. He is unwell and is currently admitted in ICU. We are all concerned about the situation,” Chawrasia shared with the news agency.
Apparently, the 73-year-old musician was suffering from blood pressure problems. Hence, he was admitted to the reputed hospital by his family for treatment of serious health issues. But sadly, neither the medical team nor the prayers of his millions of fans helped and the artist passed away, reports India Today.
Born to tabla player Allah Rakha, Zakir Hussain was a multi-talented artiste who achieved many achievements including composer, percussionist, music producer and film actor. In 2009, at the 51st Grammy Awards, Hussain won a Grammy in the Contemporary World Music Album category. He was honored for his collaborative album Global Drum Project with Mickey Hart, Sikiru Adepoju and Giovanni Hidalgo. On February 4, 2024, Hussain received three awards at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.
The greatest artist also worked with American musician Mickey Hart on the world music CD Planet Drum, which was nominated for a Grammy. In the 2024 action thriller film, Monkey Man, directed and produced by Dev Patel in his directorial debut, Zakir Hussain appears as a tabla player. Married to Antonia Minnecola, Hussain is survived by his two daughters, Anissa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.
Also read: 7 famous musicians of India who have left an indelible mark; From Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Zakir Hussain to AR Rahman
