Zakir Hussain amongst India's most celebrated musicians, died in a San Francisco hospital early on Monday
Zakir Hussain, amongst India's most celebrated musicians, died in a San Francisco hospital early on Monday aged 73.
Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Zakir Hussain inherited his talent and passion for tabla from his father, the iconic Ustad Alla Rakha.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest percussionists of all time, Ustad Zakir Hussain was not only a master of his craft but also a cultural bridge-builder who elevated Indian classical music to international acclaim.
Zakir Hussain at a performance with Kathak legend Birju Maharaj. Hussain's unmatched skill and innate rhythm had catapulted him to prominence in the Indian classical music world.
His mastery of intricate rhythms and his ability to convey profound emotion through his music made him an iconic figure in the world of classical music.
Zakir Hussain redefined the role of the tabla, transforming it from a mere supporting instrument to a central figure in performances.
Zakir Hussain was a trailblazer in blending Indian classical music with global genres, creating groundbreaking collaborations that expanded the reach of his art.
He partnered with legends like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Vilayat Khan in traditional settings, while his groundbreaking collaborations with international musicians such as John McLaughlin in 'Shakti' and Mickey Hart in 'Planet Drum' pushed boundaries
The 'Planet Drum' album earned him a Grammy Award and showcased his extraordinary ability to merge cultural rhythms into a harmonious global sound.
Over a career spanning almost six decades, Zakir Hussain received numerous prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri (1988) and Padma Bhushan (2002) from the Indian government
He won 4 Grammy Awards for his contribution to world music, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, recognising his excellence in Indian classical music, the National Heritage Fellowship, the highest award for traditional artists in the US
Despite these accolades, Zakir Hussain remained grounded. In several media interviews and winning speeches, he expressed viewing himself as a lifelong student of music.
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