Tabla player Ustad Zakir Hussain performing during a concert. file. , Photo courtesy: Sandeep Saxena
Famous tabla player Ustad Zakir Hussain died on Sunday (15 December 2024) at the age of 73.
The eldest son of renowned tabla player Allah Rakha, Hussain followed his father’s footsteps and became a renowned name in India and across the world. Hussain has received five Grammy Awards in his career, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year.
According to his manager, Hussain was suffering from cardiac ailments and was admitted to a hospital in San Francisco for treatment.
The chief ministers of Assam, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh expressed condolences from across the political spectrum, remembering the legacy left by Hussain.
Congress leader Mallikargun Kharge called Hussain a “cultural ambassador” who connected borders and generations with his mesmerizing rhythms.
In his career spanning six decades, the composer worked with many renowned international and Indian artists, but it was his 1973 musical project with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar and percussionist T H ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram that marked the beginning of Indian classical music. And brought together the musical elements. Jazz in a fusion that was unknown until now.
Also read: Zakir Hussain: ‘Student should motivate teacher to teach’
One of India’s most renowned classical musicians, the percussionist received the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.
(With PTI inputs)
published – December 15, 2024 10:15 am IST
