By tnsh20@gmail.com 
Legendary tabla artist Zakir Hussain, 73, was hospitalized in San Francisco while battling a chronic lung condition.
Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla maestro, passed away at the age of 73 on Monday, December 16, 2024, at a hospital in San Francisco, U.S.A. His family confirmed the information, attributing his death to chronic lung disease.
This statement from Zakir Hussain family, released on Monday morning to India Today, confirms the passing of “one of the world’s most transcendent musicians.”Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a serious lung disease where lung tissue becomes scarred and stiff, making breathing increasingly difficult. “Idiopathic” means the cause of this scarring is unknown.
About Zakir Hussain
- Tabla Artist Zakir Hussain significant contribution to popularizing the tabla instrument worldwide. He wasn’t just a renowned musician within India; he successfully introduced tabla playing to international audiences.
- Allah Rakha was a highly respected and influential tabla player, and Zakir Hussain, being his eldest son, grew up immersed in the world of music, learning from his father and carrying forward the family’s rich musical tradition.
- Tabla Artist Zakir Hussain own remarkable achievements as a musician. He developed his own unique style and innovative approach to tabla playing, creating a distinct and highly respected musical identity.
Highlights
- Grammy Awards: Zakir Hussain garnered five Grammy Awards throughout his illustrious career, including a remarkable three awards at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year.
- National Honors: He was a recipient of India’s highest civilian honors, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, reflecting his significant contributions to Indian music.
- Collaborative Spirit: Hussain was a prolific collaborator, working with renowned Indian and international artists. His groundbreaking 1973 project with John McLaughlin, L Shankar, and Vikku Vinayakram redefined music by fusing Indian classical traditions with jazz, creating a pioneering and influential sound.
The Sad news of Zakir Hussain’s passing, social media platforms were flooded with tributes from a wide range of individuals, including ministers, celebrities, and member of public.
Zakir Hussain Tribute
- Political Leaders: Prominent figures such as Nitin Gadkari, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed their grief and paid homage to the legendary Zakhir Hussain.
- Industrialists: Renowned figures from the business world, including Gautam Adani and Anand Mahindra, also joined in mourning the loss of this iconic artist.
These expressions of sorrow and admiration demonstrate the profound impact Zakir Hussain had on people from diverse backgrounds, transcending the boundaries of music and touching the hearts of individuals across the country.