Legendary table virtuoso Zakir Hussain breathes his last on Monday. Hussain, who is regarded as the greatest tabla player of his generation, is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola and his daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi. Born on March 9, 1951, he is the son of legendary tabla master Ustad Alla Rakha. He was 73.
He had been hospitalized for the last two weeks and was later taken to the ICU after his condition deteriorated. As per statement released by his family, Husain died due to complications arising out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.


Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive lung disease characterized by scarring (fibrosis) of the lung tissue without a known cause. This scarring thickens the alveolar walls, impairing oxygen exchange and reducing lung capacity over time.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) most commonly affects adults over the age of 50 and presents with a range of symptoms that worsen over time. A persistent, dry cough is often one of the earliest signs, frequently accompanied by progressive shortness of breath, especially during physical activity, as the lungs become less efficient at oxygen exchange. Fatigue is a common complaint, likely due to reduced oxygen levels and the body’s increased effort to breathe. In some cases, patients develop clubbing of the fingers, where the fingertips appear enlarged and rounded. These symptoms collectively impact daily activities and significantly diminish quality of life.
The exact cause is unknown, but genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, and aging are potential risk factors.

The disease course is variable, but the prognosis is often poor, with a median survival of 3–5 years after diagnosis. Early recognition and a multidisciplinary approach to care are essential for optimizing outcomes and providing supportive care to improve the patient’s quality of life.
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. His groundbreaking work with Western musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma, Charles Lloyd, Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Mickey Hart, and George Harrison brought Indian classical music to an international audience, cementing his status as a global cultural ambassador.
Messages of condolence poured in on social media as the news of Hussain's demise spread.
"The hands that brought the tabla to life have fallen silent, but Ustad Zakir Hussain’s music will live on in eternity. A true genius, a global icon, and one eternally blessed by Ma Saraswati. Om Shanti. #ZakirHussain," author Ashwin Sanghi has posted on X.

The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has expressed grief on the death of the legend: We are deeply saddened to know about the passing away of the legendary Tabla maestro and Padma Vibhushan awardee Ustad Zakir Hussain from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in San Francisco at the age of 73 today. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his wife Antonia Minnecola; and his daughters, Anisa Qureshi (her husband, Taylor Phillips, and their daughter, Zara) and Isabella Qureshi; his brothers, Taufiq Qureshi and Fazal Qureshi; and his sister, Khurshid Aulia. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
The son of legendary tabla master Ustad Allarakha, Ustad Zakir Hussain is known for his unparalleled mastery of the tabla and his innovative contributions to music have touched the hearts of countless individuals around the world. His legacy will live on through his music and the lives he influenced. May his soul rest in peace.