ISLAMABAD: World famous tabla maestro Zakir Hussain breathed his last at a San Fransisco hospital on Sunday where he was brought with serious health complication.
He was 73, according Indian media.
The Times of India reported that Hussain was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following heart-related issues, his friend and fellow musician Rakesh Chaurasia confirmed.
The Grammy-winning musician had blood pressure issues, his manager Nirmala Bachani said. “He has been admitted to a hospital in San Francisco for a heart-related problem for the last two weeks,” The Hindu quoted her.
Earlier today, Indian journalist Pervaiz Alam shared the news of his hospitalisation on X (formerly Twitter).
“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.”
Hussain was regarded as one of the greatest tabla players of all time. In February, he won three Grammy awards in the Best Global Music Performance, Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, and Best Global Music Album categories. Prior to that, he won his first-ever Grammy for Contemporary World Music Album in 2009.
Hussain was awarded the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and in 2023 was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan — the second-highest civilian award, given for exceptional and distinguished service — by the Government of India.
He is survived by his wife Antonia Minnecola, a Kathak dancer and teacher, and their two daughters.
