Ustad Zakir Hussain, 1951-2024: Life in pictures
Renowned table maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away today, December 15, in the United States due to a cardiac ailment. As the nation mourns the demise of the tabla legend, here’s a look at his glorious life captured on camera.
Born on March 9, 1951 in Mumbai, he was the eldest son of the distinguished tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha Khan. Hussain carved a distinctive path in the world of music, reflecting his father’s legacy
photo Credit : Instagram/Zakir Hussain
Known for his remarkable artistry, Zakir Hussain connected Indian classical music with a global audience and was a recipient of the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, India’s top civilian honours.
photo Credit : PTI
He initially studied at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, before devoting himself completely to music. However, he started performing publicly at the age of seven.
photo Credit : Instagram/Zakir Hussain
Zakir Hussain’s concerts took place at prestigious venues around the world including the Royal Albert Hall and Carnegie Hall.
photo Credit : PTI
Zakir Hussain played a key role in the famous fusion band Shakti along with English guitarist and his mentor John McLaughlin.
It was his groundbreaking 1973 project with John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar and percussionist TH ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram that redefined music by combining Indian classical traditions with elements of jazz, an unheard of fusion style.
photo Credit : Instagram/shakti50tour
Zakir Hussain has earned an impressive five GRAMMY Awards over the course of his career, including a notable three at the 66th GRAMMY Awards earlier this year.
photo Credit : Instagram/Zakir Hussain
For those unaware, Zakir Hussain was one of the few Indian classical musicians to perform at the White House and collaborate with international bands like The Grateful Dead.
photo Credit : PTI
Zakir Hussain married Antonia Minnecola, a dancer and teacher who specialized in Kathak, in 1978.
photo Credit : Instagram/Zakir Hussain
They have two daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.
photo Credit : Instagram/Zakir Hussain
Apart from composing music, Zakir Hussain acted in the 1983 film Heat and Dust and the 1997 film Saaz.
photo Credit : PTI