Proscribed tabla player Zakir Hussain dies at 73

New Delhi| Famous tabla player Zakir Hussain (73) died on December 15 due to heart problems. Hussain’s manager Nirmala Bachhani said in a statement that Ustad was suffering from blood pressure related problems. Earlier, it was revealed that Zakir Hussain was admitted to a hospital in San Francisco due to heart problems.

Famous tabla player Ustad Zakir Hussain was born on March 9, 1951 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. As the eldest son of the eminent tabla player Allah Rakha, he was attracted to music since childhood. He completed his primary education from St. Michael’s High School in Mahim, Mumbai and later graduated from St. Xavier’s College and further strengthened his foundation in music and education.

Hussain married Antonia Minekola, a Kathak dancer and teacher. He has two daughters Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi. Zakir Hussain also acted in some films including ‘saz’, ‘heat and dust’. His most recent film ‘monkey man’ released in 2024.

Industrialist Harsh Goenka expressed his condolences on the demise of Zakir Hussain on social media, saying, “The world has become silent because Tabla has lost its master”. Ustad Zakir Hussain, a rhythmic genius who brought the soul of India to global stages, left us. I’ve had the privilege of getting to know him through his connection with HMV and seeing his incredible performance at my home, his tunes will always resonate”

Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore wrote, “Ustad Zakir Hussain’s extraordinary mastery of tabla playing has created a timeless legacy in the world of music”. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and countless fans, whose lives he touched with his art. His rhythm will always resonate in our hearts.”

Gujarat Tourism Minister Mulubhai Bera wrote, “the rhythm of heaven has just become a little more alive. Goodbye, Zakir Hussain. Your music will remain a blessing to humanity.”