Zakir Hussain Passes Away LIVE Updates: Did you know that the maestro had collaborated with many legendary musicians?

Zakir Hussain has worked with many of India’s legendary musicians, including icons like Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, and Shivkumar Sharma. His innovative collaborations with Western artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Charles Lloyd, Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Mickey Hart, George Harrison, and John McLaughlin played a pivotal role in introducing Indian classical music to global audiences, solidifying his reputation as a cultural ambassador. Celebrated for transforming the tabla into a virtuoso instrument, Hussain is widely acknowledged as a key figure in shaping the contemporary world music movement. His unmatched rhythmic expertise enabled him to bridge musical genres, creating genuine connections across diverse styles.

In an interaction with PTI, Zakir Hussain, who was a child prodigy, shared a profound insight from his father. "My father always said each instrument has a spirit, and if you are a student, half the battle is to get that spirit to accept you as a mate, as a friend. Once that happens, the instrument reveals how you should react to it, touch it, and express yourself through it." He went on to describe the inseparable bond he shares with his instrument, the tabla. "Music is my world. It is the garb I wear. Tabla is a mate, it is a brother, a friend, it’s the bed I sleep in... I am at a point where my relationship with the spirit of my tabla is special. I find myself at a place where I cannot imagine that I can exist without it. It motivates me to get up in the morning and say, 'hello,'" he explained.

In addition to his six-decade-long musical career, Zakir Hussain also ventured into acting. He appeared in several films, including Saaz and Heat and Dust. His most recent film appearance was in Dev Patel's directorial debut, Monkey Man, which was released in the US in 2024. In a viral clip from the movie, Hussain makes a cameo as a tabla player. Seated in a corner with his tablas, his character provides the beats for Patel’s character as he practices punches on a punching bag. The rhythm intensifies, and Patel’s character struggles to keep up. This sequence, blending the rhythmic tabla beats with a compelling action scene, highlights Hussain’s unique ability to merge Indian classical music with various genres, including global cinema.

Zakir Hussain once shared that he married Antonia without initially informing his mother. In an appearance on Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, he explained, "In my family, this was the first mixed marriage. So more than my father, it was my mother who had a tough time with it. It was very difficult for her to accept the marriage. We didn’t tell her about our marriage until I was already married. But my father was there; he married us off in a Muslim ceremony. The civil ceremony, which was the first one, no one knew about. We just went and did it." He also revealed how his father played a crucial role in helping his mother come to terms with the marriage. "I think (my father) took on the responsibility of explaining it to my mother. The way he did it was, he came and said, ‘Well, it’s done, just live with it’ (laughs). Over the years, my mother met her, got to know her, and grew to like her. She moved beyond traditions and religions and realized that the person was the most important aspect of the relationship. She loves Toni and thinks the world of her," he added.

In an interview eight years ago, Zakir Hussain shared a memorable story about how his father, Alla Rakha, welcomed him into the world in a truly unique way. While it is customary in many Muslim households for fathers to recite prayers into the ears of their newborns, Alla Rakha chose a different approach when Zakir was handed to him for the first time. Instead of prayers, he whispered tabla rhythms into Zakir's ear. Recounting the moment, Zakir shared, “My dad held me in his arms and put his lips close to my ear. Instead of reciting prayers, he recited tabla rhythms. My mother was livid and asked, ‘What are you doing? You’re supposed to say prayers, not rhythms.’ My father calmly replied, ‘These are my prayers. I am the worshipper of Goddess Saraswati and Lord Ganesh.’”

Zakir Hussain made his final public appearance at the funeral of singer Pankaj Udhas in February this year. Pankaj Udhas passed away on February 26 in Mumbai after a prolonged illness. Hussain visited the residence of the late ghazal maestro to pay his respects. He was accompanied by his brother and fellow musician Taufiq Qureshi. During the visit, the tabla legend spoke to the press, saying, "The amount of happiness he has shared with his music, there is no answer for that. We love his family and Pankaj bhai immensely."

Earlier this year, on February 5, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Zakir Hussain and the other members of the fusion band Shakti for winning the Grammy Award for Global Music Album. In a heartfelt social media post, PM Modi commended their "exceptional talent and dedication to music," which has "won hearts worldwide." He expressed pride in their accomplishments and highlighted how their success serves as an inspiration for future generations of artists to follow their musical dreams.

Zakir Hussain once recalled an experience from when he was 12 years old, attending a concert with his father. The event featured legendary musicians such as Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Bismillah Khan, Pandit Shanta Prasad, and Pandit Kishan Maharaj. During the concert, Zakir Hussain joined his father on stage and earned five rupees for his performance. Reflecting on this moment, the tabla maestro shared, "I have earned a lot of money in my life, but those five rupees were the most valuable."

Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Zakir Hussain was the son of the legendary tabla virtuoso Ustad Alla Rakha. A child prodigy, he began performing at just seven years old, quickly gaining recognition and establishing himself as the preeminent tabla player of his generation. He is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, daughters Anisa and Isabella Qureshi, and an extended family that includes his brothers Taufiq and Fazal Qureshi, and his sister Khurshid Aulia. Known for his warmth, humility, and charm, Hussain was as cherished for his gracious personality as he was for his extraordinary musical genius.

The demise of Padma Vibhushan awardee has left the music world and his countless admirers in profound grief, with tributes and condolences pouring in from across the globe.

The three-time Grammy Award-winning musician, Ricky Kej was 'shocked' and 'deeply saddened' by the demise of the legend Ustad Zakir Hussain. He called him one of the greatest musicians which India has ever produced.

While sharing a monochrome portrait of the singer on Instagram, Ricky Kej wrote, "Shocked, deeply saddened and devastated by the passing-on of the legend Ustad Zakir Hussain @zakirhq9. One of the greatest musicians and personalities India has ever produced. Along with being the best himself, Zakirji was known for his immense humility, approachable nature, and for being responsible for the careers of numerous musicians, who are now forces to reckon with themselves. He was a treasure trove of skill and knowledge and always shared and encouraged the entire music community through collaborations and his actions. His legacy will live on forever, and his influence will be felt for generations. He left us too soon."

Singer Anup Jalota called it 'shocking news' and while mourning the loss of the Tabla maestro, the 'Aisi Lagi Lagan' singer said that the legacy of this tabla player will live on forever.

Taking to his X handle, he shared a video and wrote, "Can't wrap my head around the news. I'm in pain. Sending love and strength to all his admirers during this difficult time. May we find comfort in his legacy and the joy he brought to our lives."

Actor Kamal Haasan took to Twitter on Monday morning to mourn the demise of his dear friend Zakir Hussain. Sharing a throwback post of them together with the musician singing and Haasan on the tabla, the actor penned a heartfelt note that read, "Zakir Bhai ! He left too soon. Yet we are grateful for the times he gave us and what he left behind in the form of his art. Goodbye and Thank you."

Zakir Hussain was one of the gifted musicians who at a very young age found his calling. Opening up about the connection he shared with his instrument, he said, "I am at a point where my relationship with the spirit of my tabla is special. I find myself at a place where I cannot imagine that I can exist without it. It motivates me to get up in the morning and say, 'hello'."

In a conversation with author Nasreen Munni Kabir as written in her book "Zakir Hussain: A Life in Music", Hussain said a private gathering, corporate events or weddings are not places "where music should be heard".

"Those are places where people come to socialize, to drink and perhaps have a meal. That's not the way music should be heard. For me, it's the concert hall or the theatre-people take their seats, the hall darkens and we musicians take our place," he said.

Hussain would ask the organisers to close the doors once the performance begins and not allow latecomers.

Then there was the man himself. His broad smile, boyish good looks and curly locks keeping rhythm with his fingers gave him a distinctive star persona that sometimes went beyond his music.

In an exclusive statement to ETImes, Anup Jalota mourned Zakir Hussain's demise and paid heartfelt tribute in a statement that read, "Ustaad Zakir Hussain, we used to affectionately call him Zakir Bhai. His passing is a huge loss because the truth is, such a tabla player has never existed, nor will there ever be one. Playing the tabla in such an effective and interesting way, he made it so engaging. His passing is a huge loss. I toured America and Canada with him, we performed together. He would play the tabla with me, and I would sing. We did 10-12 programs in America and Canada. Every moment with him is a cherished memory. Every single moment is unforgettable. He was so humble. If you touch his feet, he will touch yours. He was that kind of person. It is a great loss for our Indian music, a huge loss."

In February, Hussain became the first musician from India to receive three Grammys at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in February for Best Global Music Album, Best Global Music Performance and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.

"I am overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of love, affection, and blessings for my multiple Grammy wins. It is impossible for me to individually respond to all of you but be assured that you are all in my heart and I'm bowing to each and every one of you in thanks. It was a great day for India at the Grammys and I'm proud to be carrying the national flag," he wrote on Instagram at the time.

At the 2024 Grammys, Hussain earned his first honour for best global music album for "This Moment" as part of the fusion music group Shakti, which includes founding member British guitarist John McLaughlin, as well as vocalist Shankar Mahadevan, violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan and percussionist Selvaganesh Vinayakram.

He later won two other awards for the best global music performance for "Pashto" and best contemporary instrumental album for "As We Speak", along with flautist Rakesh Chaurasia, American banjo player Bela Fleck and American bassist Edgar Meyer. In January last year, the Shakti quintet reunited for a world tour in India to much excitement from fans.

His fingers flew, fluttered and floated in quicksilver changes of raga and rhythm, drumming up music and magic. Zakir Hussain was the maestro of tabla, percussionist, composer and even actor – a legend who was India's very own and yet belonged to the world.

The artiste, a marquee name in India and abroad, leaves behind more than 60 years of music. He played on the stage alongside some of the greatest Indian and international musicians in a fusion of Indian classical and world music, giving the tabla a whole new identity.

The great percussionist created music across genres and styles, including in his repertoire jazz and concertos, naturally developing an "all-inclusive musical creativity" after learning and playing under the tutelage of his father and renowned tabla player, Alla Rakha.

"The mindset as I was growing up tuned itself to the idea that music is music, it's not Indian music or that music, so when I actually started working with musicians who were non-Indian it seemed like a natural handshake," Hussain told PTI almost a year ago ahead of a performance in Goa.

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain died at a hospital in San Francisco, his family said on Monday. Hussain died due to complications arising out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the family said in a statement. He was 73.
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 leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come," the statement read.

In his career spanning six decades, the musician worked with several renowned international and Indian artistes, but it was his 1973 musical project with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar, and percussionist TH 'Vikku' Vinayakram that brought together Indian classical and elements of jazz in a fusion hitherto unknown.

In a post on X on Sunday noon, his nephew Ameer Aulia said, "We ask for prayers for my Uncle's health."

"He is in a serious condition and we ask for all his fans around the world to pray for his health," he said.

Earlier reports that the 73-year-old Hussain had passed away after being admitted to a hospital in San Francisco swirled around the media rocking the music world and breaking the hearts of his fans.

Aulia requested media reporting his death to remove their stories.

He wrote, "My uncle Zakir Hussain is very much alive and we would ask the news media not to post misinformation."

A journalist, Pervaiz Alam, reported on X that he had spoken to Hussain's family who confirmed that he was undergoing treatment in a San Francisco Hospital.

He wrote Hussain "is being treated for serious ailments in a San Francisco hospital, The US, informed his brother-in-law, Ayub Aulia in a phone call with me".

Alam, who had worked for BBC, added, "Aulia sahab, based in London, has requested Zakir's followers to pray for his speedy recovery."

rominent business leaders on Sunday mourned the demise of 73-year-old tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, saying the "rhythm of India has paused today".

The Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani posted on X social media platform that “the world has lost a rhythm it can never replace”.

“Ustad Zakir Hussain, our maestro whose tabla beats will forever echo in the soul of India, leaves behind his inimitable form of timeless art. His legacy is an eternal 'taal', resonating through generations to come. RIP,” Gautam Adani said.

Ustaad Zakir Hussain, the renowned tabla maestro, was born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. As the eldest son of the illustrious tabla player Allah Rakha, he was naturally drawn towards music from a young age. He completed his primary education from St. Michael's High School in Mahim, Mumbai, and later graduated from St. Xavier's College and further solidified his foundation in music and academics.

Hussain married Antonia Minnecola, a Kathak dancer and teacher. They have two daughters Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.

Zakir Hussain also acted in few movies including ‘Saaz’ , ‘Heat and Dust’. His most recent film ‘Monkey Man’ released in 2024.

As concern mounted over Hussain's health, senior broadcast journalist Pervaiz Alam also took to X to share the news, citing the musician's brother-in-law Ayub Aulia.

"Ustad Zakir Hussain, Tabla player, percussionist, composer, former actor and the son of legendary Tabla player, Ustad Allah Rakha is not well. He's being treated for serious ailments in a San Francisco hospital, USA, informed his brother in law, Ayub Aulia in a phone call with me. Aulia sahab, based in London, has requested Zakir's followers to pray for his speedy recovery," he wrote in a post.

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain has been admitted to the ICU of a San Francisco hospital after experiencing heart related problems, his friend and flautist Rakesh Chaurasia said on Sunday. The 73-year-old US-based musician had been having blood pressure issues, added a source close to Hussain.
"He has been admitted to a hospital in San Francisco for a heart related problem for the last week," he said.

"He is unwell and admitted in the ICU right now. We all are worried about the situation," Chaurasia told PTI.