The well-known tabla master Zakir Hussain has died in the USA at the age of 73

Renowned tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain died on Sunday, December 15th in the USA at the age of 73. The legendary musician had been hospitalized due to serious health concerns, updates were shared on social media.

Hussain was admitted to the intensive care unit due to heart problems.

Soon after the news report, industrialist Harsh Goenka tweeted: “The world falls silent as the tabla loses its maestro. Ustad Zakir Hussain, a rhythmic genius who brought the soul of India to the global stage, has left us. I was privileged to know him” because of his association with HMV and hearing him play in our house his beats will resonate forever.

Zakir Hussain, son of legendary tabla master Ustad Alla Rakha Khan, was a towering figure in both Indian and global music. He began his tabla training at the age of seven and was already performing throughout India by the age of twelve. Over the years he made exceptional contributions to Indian classical music and world music.

Over the course of his illustrious career, Zakir has composed and performed for numerous acclaimed Indian and international films, showcasing his unparalleled tabla skills. He moved to San Francisco with his family nearly four decades ago and has continued to be a significant force in the global music scene. Zakir Hussain’s distinguished career earned him numerous national and international awards, including India’s highest civilian honors. These include the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023. In 1990, he was also honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, India’s highest honor in the field of music.