Tabla Maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain, the eldest son of Ustad Allah Rakha, passed away at the age of 73 in the US on Sunday. The legendary musician had been hospitalized due to serious health concerns.
Earlier, his brother informed that he was receiving treatment for severe illnesses in a hospital in San Francisco, USA. Zakir was admitted to the ICU following heart-related problems. A source also had mentioned that Ustad Zakir was facing blood pressure issues.
Zakir, who was born in Mumbai in 1951. He began his tabla journey at the age of seven and was already performing across India by 12. Throughout his career, he has made remarkable contributions to both Indian classical and world music.
The Government of India has awarded him prestigious civilian honors, including the Padma Shri in 1988, Padma Bhushan in 2002, and Padma Vibhushan in 2023. In 1990, he was also honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, India’s highest recognition in music.
Fellowship by the United States National Endowment for the Arts, the highest honor bestowed upon traditional musicians and artists in the United States.
