The nation was left shocked and saddened by the news of legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain’s passing at the age of 73 in a San Francisco hospital. Following the announcement, tributes poured in from across the country, celebrating his extraordinary legacy.
Politicians, prominent business leaders, and entrepreneurs took to social media to express their grief and pay homage to the iconic musician, sharing their shock and sorrow over the loss of a cultural legend.
Tributes Pour In From Across The Country
The world has lost a true musical genius.
Zakir Hussain’s contributions to the world of music will forever be cherished. #ZakirHussain pic.twitter.com/cCicgRPpoW
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) December 15, 2024
Really sad to learn that legend of legends, Ustad Zakir Hussain is no more. A sad day for the world of music. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/Cjom9j5CNa
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 15, 2024
Deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely death of Ustad Zakir Hussain, the renowned maestro and one of the greatest tabla players of all times. This is a huge loss for the country and his millions of admirers across the planet.
I convey my sincere condolences to the family,…
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 15, 2024
भारत के जानेमाने तबला वादक, पद्मविभूषण उस्ताद ज़ाकिर खान जी का निधन एक अपूरणीय क्षति है।
शोकाकुल परिजनों के प्रति संवेदना।
भावभीनी श्रद्धांजलि।#ZakirHussain pic.twitter.com/3AiLsykILx
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) December 15, 2024
The passing away of Ustad Zakir Hussain Sahab leaves our world of culture poorer. Making his fingers dance on the dayan and bayan, he took Indian Tabla to the global stage and will always be synonymous with its intricate rhythms.
A doyen of music, a stalwart of creativity whose… pic.twitter.com/NtXkA4fdpO
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) December 15, 2024
The rhythm of India paused today…
In tribute.
#ZakirHussain
pic.twitter.com/eknPqw4uKM
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) December 15, 2024
The world has lost a rhythm it can never replace. Ustad Zakir Hussain, our maestro whose tabla beats will forever echo in the soul of India, leaves behind his inimitable form of timeless art. His legacy is an eternal taal, resonating through generations to come. RIP pic.twitter.com/AcnoJmwUNG
— Gautam Adani (@gautam_adani) December 15, 2024
According to news reports, the legend breathed his last at a hospital in San Francisco, USA, where he had been undergoing treatment for serious health complications.
As per reports, Ustad Zakir Hussain was hospitalised in a San Francisco hospital in USA for treatment of ‘serious’ health ailments. His family requested prayers for his speedy recovery.
Born on March 9, 1951, Ustad Zakir Hussain was the son of renowned tabla virtuoso Ustad Allah Rakha. From his early years, he trained rigorously under his father’s guidance and went on to redefine Indian classical music on the global stage. Known for his unmatched rhythmic precision and innovative spirit, he seamlessly blended traditional techniques with contemporary styles, captivating audiences worldwide.
Throughout a career spanning over five decades, Zakir Hussain collaborated with some of the most iconic figures in music, including Pandit Ravi Shankar, John McLaughlin, and George Harrison. A pioneer of fusion music, his work bridged cultural divides and introduced Indian classical music to international audiences.
Ustad Zakir Hussain’s Incomparable Legacy In Indian Classical Music and Beyond
Ustad Zakir Hussain was not just a musician but a cultural ambassador, celebrated for his ability to connect with people across the globe through his art. His contributions to music earned him numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, as well as international honors that recognized his extraordinary impact on the world of music.
His brother-in-law, Ayub Aulia, confirmed his deteriorating health during a phone conversation with journalist Pervaiz Alam, who shared the news on social media. Hussain’s family had earlier requested prayers for his recovery.
The maestro leaves behind his wife, Antonia Minnecola, and their two daughters. While his loss is deeply mourned, Ustad Zakir Hussain’s music remains immortal a timeless legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
