Zakir Hussain Dies at 73: Family Speaks Out and Discloses Cause of Death

Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla maestro, has passed away at the age of 73. He took his last breath in San Francisco on Sunday, December 15. A recipient of the Padma Bhushan, he has reportedly been hospitalized in the United States due to worsening health. Which ultimately led to his demise. In a statement, his family disclosed that Zakir Hussain succumbed to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung condition.

Zakir Hussain’s Family Pays Tribute: A Legacy of Teaching and Inspiration

As reported by Hindustan Times, Zakir Hussain’s family shared, “His extensive contributions as a teacher, mentor, and educator have profoundly impacted countless musicians. He aspired to motivate future generations to achieve even greater heights. He leaves behind an unmatched legacy as a cultural icon and one of the most extraordinary musicians in history.” The family has also requested privacy during this period.

According to NDTV, Zakir Hussain hasair khan been hospitalize for the past two weeks. His condition worsened, leading to his transfer to the ICU.

The statement from Zakir Hussain’s family was issued following widespread confusion about his death. On Sunday night, reports emerged announcing his passing, with numerous political leaders and prominent figures paying tribute, seemingly confirming the news. However, uncertainty arose when a user on X, claiming to be his nephew, stated that Zakir was still alive.

Shortly after, Zakir Hussain’s sister, Khurshid Aulia, clarified to Mid-Day that he was still fighting for his life. She stated, “The news of his passing is untrue. He is still alive but in an extremely critical condition.” Sadly, in the early hours of Monday, reports confirmed that Zakir Hussain had passed away.

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The news followed a post by journalist Pervaiz Alam on X, where he shared updates about the tabla maestro’s hospitalization. He wrote, “Ustad Zakir Hussain, renowned tabla player, percussionist, composer, former actor, and son of the legendary Ustad Allah Rakha, is unwell. He is undergoing treatment for severe health issues at a hospital in San Francisco, USA, according to his brother-in-law, Ayub Aulia. Aulia sahab has requested Zakir’s fans to pray for his swift recovery.”

The news of Zakir Hussain’s passing has deeply shocked and saddened the nation. Among those mourning the loss was Colonel Rajyavardhan Rathore, who expressed his grief on X. He wrote, “Ustad Zakir Hussain’s unparalleled mastery of the tabla has left an everlasting legacy in the realm of music. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the countless admirers whose lives were enriched by his artistry. His rhythms will forever resonate in our hearts.”

Zakir Hussain, a world-renowned tabla maestro, is celebrated for his unparalleled skill and pioneering influence on Indian classical and global music. Born in 1951 to the legendary Ustad Allah Rakha, Zakir displayed extraordinary talent from a young age, giving his first performance at just seven years old. Over the years, his exceptional artistry and creativity have brought the tabla to remarkable prominence on the international stage.

Zakir Hussain, as a solo artist, revolutionized tabla playing by combining technical mastery with deep emotional expression. His collaborations have bridged a wide range of genres and artists, including Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, George Harrison, John McLaughlin, and Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead. In 1970, he co-founded the fusion group Shakti with guitarist John McLaughlin, blending Indian classical music with jazz elements. Groundbreaking projects like Remember Shakti and Planet Drum remain highly acclaimed for their innovation and creativity.

Zakir Hussain has composed music for films like Heat and Dust and In Custody, as well as for international ballet and orchestral performances. His commitment to sharing the depth of Indian music worldwide has garnered him several prestigious honors, including the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album.

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