Hyderabad: Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, considered among the most accomplished musicians in the world, died at a hospital in San Francisco, his family confirmed early Monday morning after reports late Sunday said he was critical but still alive following the initial news about his death. He was 73.
Initially, Zakir Hussain's family representative had denied reports of his death and said he was critical due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The same representative later on confirmed Hussain's demise.
Hussain is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola and daughters Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.
"He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come," read the statement released by the family.
Born in 1951, the legendary tabla virtuoso had been hospitalised for the last two weeks and was later taken to the ICU as his condition deteriorated. He had been having blood pressure issues, his manager Nirmala Bachani said. "He was admitted to a hospital in San Francisco for a heart-related problem for the last two weeks," he said.
Hussain was awarded the Padma Shri in 1988, Padma Bhushan in 2002, and Padma Vibhushan in 2023. He received four Grammy Awards in his career, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year.
Like father, like son
The eldest son of legendary tabla player Allah Rakha, Hussain had followed in the footsteps of his father, becoming a marquee name in India and across the world. In his career spanning six decades, the musician worked with several renowned international and Indian artistes, but it was his 1973 musical project with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar, and percussionist TH 'Vikku' Vinayakram that brought together Indian classical and elements of jazz in a fusion hitherto unknown.
'True genius': PM Modi offers rich tributes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, offered tributes to the maestro and said he would be remembered as a "true genius who revolutionized the world of Indian classical music".
"Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary tabla maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain Ji. He will be remembered as a true genius who revolutionized the world of Indian classical music. He also brought the tabla to the global stage, captivating millions with his unparalleled rhythm. Through this, he seamlessly blended Indian classical traditions with global music, thus becoming an icon of cultural unity. His iconic performances and soulful compositions will contribute to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers alike. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the global music community," Modi said.
Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary tabla maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain Ji. He will be remembered as a true genius who revolutionized the world of Indian classical music. He also brought the tabla to the global stage, captivating millions with his unparalleled rhythm.…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2024
Condolences pour in but many delete tweets after conflicting reports
Several politicians, celebrities and noted business personalities conveyed their condolences over Zakir Hussain's passing on social media, however, many of them deleted their posts on X following conflicting reports over Zakir Hussain's demise.
Politicians including Nitin Gadkari, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge were among those who mourned Hussain's demise after the initial report about his demise.
Industrialists Gautam Adani, Anand Mahindra, and Harsh Goenka also offered tributes to the tabla maestro. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari wrote on X that Zakir Hussain's death was an irreparable loss to the country.
"The news of the demise of renowned tabla player Padma Vibhushan Ustad Zakir Hussain is extremely sad. My heartfelt tribute to him. The demise of Zakir Hussain is an irreparable loss to the country's art and music sector. His contribution in the field of art is unprecedented. His dedication towards his art and his contribution will always be remembered. May God grant peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family and fans. Om Shanti!" Gadkari posted.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi called Hussain's demise a great loss for the music world. "The news of the demise of the great tabla player Ustad Zakir Hussain ji is extremely sad. His demise is a great loss for the music world. My condolences are with his family and fans in this hour of grief. Ustad Zakir Hussain ji has left behind such a legacy of his art, which will always remain alive in our memories," Gandhi wrote in his X post which he later deleted.
Taking to X, industrialist Harsh Goenka wrote, "The world falls silent as the tabla loses its maestro. Ustad Zakir Hussain, a rhythmic genius who brought the soul of India to global stage, has left us. I was privileged to know him because of his connection with HMV and hear him perform at our home. His beats will echo eternally."
Billionaire Gautam Adani also offered his condolences on X but later deleted the tweet. "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," Adani's post read.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge too was among those who offered tributes but then deleted the post. "In the passing away of Tabla exponent, Ustad Zakir Hussain, India and the world has lost a musical genius, and a cultural ambassador who bridged borders and generations with his mesmerising rhythms. The Padma Vibhushan Tabla maestro and percussionist, gloriously took forward the legacy of his father with exceptional performances and collaborations. His numerous national and international honours are a testament to this. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and admirers across the world," Kharge's post on X read.
Even Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had to delete its post on X following reports that the family had not confirmed Hussain's demise.
The percussionist, one of India’s most celebrated classical musicians, received the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.
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