SAN FRANCISCO: Winner of three Grammy awards and world famous for his ‘dancing fingers’, legendary Indian musician Zakir Hussain passed away in San Francisco on Monday.
Previously, on Sunday, the news of his death was released, which was later denied by his family, claiming that Hussain was in critical condition but still alive. Indian media reported on Monday that his family announced that he had died from complications arising from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Zakir Hussain is alive, nephew denies reports of maestro Tabla’s death
The conductor has been hospitalized for two weeks and yesterday he was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) when his condition worsened. Sadly, the musician could not recover from his illness and breathed his last at the age of 73.
According to NDTV news, Hussain’s sister Khurshid Aulia said he passed away “very peacefully”.
He comes from a family of tabla musicians. His father, Ustad Alla Rakha, was also famous as a Tabla master. He leaves behind six decades of exceptional music that will continue to inspire and captivate generations to come.
Hussain started playing Tabla at the age of 7 and collaborated with most of the icons of Indian music throughout his career. Zakir Hussain is one of the most famous percussion players in the subcontinent.
Tributes and condolences began pouring in from all over the world. Bollywood stars and sports legends along with other notable personalities shared tributes of admiration and sadness over the passing away of Zakir Hussain.
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Indian actor and film director Kamal Haasan wrote on X, formerly Twitter, “Zakir Bhai! He left too soon. However, we are grateful for the time he spent with us and what he left behind in the form of his art. Goodbye and thank you.”
Cricket superstar Sachin Tendulkar wrote: “The curtain has fallen, but the beat will continue to echo in our hearts forever. If his hands conveyed rhythm, then his smiling face and humble personality conveyed a melody – always respecting those around him, making them feel at ease. Rest in peace, Ustad Zakir Hussain.”
Bollywood celebrity, actor and producer Akshay Kumar also took to social media to share his thoughts. He wrote: “Very saddened to learn about the sad death of Ustad Zakir Hussain Saab. He is truly a treasure to our country’s musical heritage. Om Shanti”.
Zakir Hussain He is survived by his wife Antonia Minnecola and two daughters Isabella and Anisa.