HomeObituary NewsZakir Hussain passes away at 73: A look at some interesting facts about the tabla maestro

Zakir Hussain passes away at 73: A look at some interesting facts about the tabla maestro

Ustad Zakir Hussain, the iconic tabla virtuoso, passed away on December 15 at 73 due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Known for his international collaborations and mentorship, Hussain's legacy includes Grammy wins, prestigious awards, and his significant contributions to Indian classical music. Here are some interesting facts about the late musician.

By Trisha Ghosh December 16, 2024, 11:27:44 AM IST (Published)

Legendary tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away on December 15 in San Francisco at the age of 73, due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease.

Legendary tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away on December 15 in San Francisco at the age of 73, due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease. Ustad Zakir Hussain leaves behind an unparalleled legacy in Indian classical music, celebrated not only as a virtuoso but also as a dedicated teacher and mentor.

Eight years ago, tabla maestro Zakir Hussain had narrated how his father Alla Rakha had welcomed him into this world by putting the musical instrument’s rhythms into his ears when asked to recite prayers. Zakir Hussain spoke of his father holding him in his arms for the first time. Alla Rakha was an accomplished tabla player and a frequent accompanist of iconic sitar player Pandit Ravi Shankar.

Beginning his career at age 12, the tabla virtuoso's first step into international music did not earn him much. Over the years, however, his work earned him accolades such as the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. Most recently in February 2024, he received a Grammy for 'Best Global Music Album' for his collaboration with Shankar Mahadevan on the fusion group 'Shakti'. He also won a Grammy award for 'Best Global Music Performance' for his contributions to Pashto.

Though his net worth remains private, estimates suggest Ustad Zakir Hussain’s fortune ranged between ₹8-10 crore, with his concert fees reportedly between ₹5-10 lakh. (Photo: PTI).

Hussain's collaborations with iconic Western artists, including The Beatles and John McLaughlin’s Shakti, marked pivotal moments in cross-cultural musical exchanges.

A graduate of St. Xavier's College with a Bachelor's in Economics, Ustad Zakir Hussain was as dedicated to academics as he was to his musical craft. During his early days, he used to travel by train and if he could not find a seat, he would spread newspapers on the floor and sleep. During such journeys, so that no one’s feet touched his tabla, he used to sleep with the musical instruments in his lap.

A prolific teacher and mentor to the younger generation in the art of tabla and classical music, he often conducted teaching workshops. Here he is teaching a terminally ill child how to play the instrument. (Photo: Reuters).

Hussain, considered one of the greatest players of the tabla was known for his "dancing fingers". The news of the beloved tabla maestro's death has left many fans and artists mourning worldwide. (Photo: AP)