Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla virtuoso and global ambassador of Indian classical music, has passed away at the age of 73, leaving behind a rhythmic legacy that will inspire generations.
A child prodigy, he collaborated with Indian classical icons like Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, and Shivkumar Sharma, as well as global musicians such as John McLaughlin and George Harrison.
Born on March 9, 1951, in Mahim, Mumbai, Hussain was the eldest son of Ustad Allarakha, one of history’s most iconic tabla players.
From a young age, rhythm defined his life. The tabla was his first language, and by age 12, he was already performing internationally alongside legends like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan.
His journey from a prodigy to a globally celebrated percussionist was a masterclass in balancing tradition with innovation.
Hussain’s insatiable curiosity led him beyond the confines of Indian classical music into groundbreaking collaborations.
In 1973, he co-founded Shakti with guitarist John McLaughlin, blending Indian classical music with jazz and Western traditions.
Over five decades, Shakti evolved, featuring luminaries like violinist L Shankar, percussionist Vikku Vinayakram, and mandolin maestro U Srinivas.
Their album This Moment, released in 2024, earned a Grammy for Best Global Music Album, marking the perfect finale to Shakti’s 50th-anniversary tour.
Hussain’s influence extended far beyond Shakti. He was a key figure in Planet Drum and Global Drum Project with Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart, earning Grammy Awards in 1991 and 2008.
His collaboration with banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck and bassist Edgar Meyer on the Grammy-winning As We Speak (2024) further cemented his legacy as a pioneer of cross-genre fusion.
He also worked with musical icons like Yo-Yo Ma, Van Morrison, and Billy Cobham, bringing Indian rhythms to the world stage.
His experimental projects, including Tabla Beat Science, fused Indian classical music with electronic beats, while his orchestral work Peshkar for the Symphony Orchestra of India showcased his commitment to innovation while respecting his roots.
“The moment you think you’re a maestro, you are distancing yourself from the others,” he once said, emphasizing collaboration over dominance—a philosophy that defined his artistry.
Hussain’s unparalleled skill, marked by flamboyance, speed, and precision, earned him global acclaim.
The New York Times described his artistry as “an impish strain of virtuosity,” praising his balance of technical brilliance and creative playfulness.
His fingers, a blur in motion, seemed to rival the beat of a hummingbird’s wings.
Throughout his career, Hussain received countless accolades, including India’s Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, and the U.S.
National Endowment for the Arts’ National Heritage Fellowship. He graced prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and collaborated with jazz greats, Western classical orchestras, and Carnatic music maestros.
Despite international fame, Hussain stayed deeply connected to his Indian roots. His early years in a modest chawl in Mahim shaped his values.
“For the first three-and-a-half years of my life, we all lived in one room that had no toilet. We had to use the common toilets,” he once shared. His iconic TV advert for Taj Mahal tea even made him a household name in India.
Offstage, Hussain was an avid reader and fan of Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series. He loved poetry, cricket, and tennis, counting Roger Federer among his heroes.
He also enjoyed biographies of musical legends like Ravi Shankar and Miles Davis, reflecting his passion for stories that transcended boundaries.
Even in his later years, Hussain remained active, performing, mentoring, and composing. “Being a student and having a drive to learn keeps me going.
The opportunity to get inspired by young musicians helps me revamp myself. Age doesn’t affect my energy and drive,” he shared in a recent interview.
His passing marks the end of an era but leaves an indelible imprint on global music.
As Nasreen Munni Kabir, who chronicled his life, aptly said: “Zakir’s extraordinary playing and the extreme sense of rigour he brought to his art made him a phenomenon.”
For Zakir Hussain, music was never just a career—it was a spiritual journey, a bridge connecting people, traditions, and cultures across the world.
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