Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, celebrated as one of India’s greatest cultural ambassadors, passed away at the age of 73 in San Francisco.
Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, celebrated as one of India’s greatest cultural ambassadors, passed away at the age of 73 in San Francisco. (Photo Illustration: Swastik Sharma)

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Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, celebrated as one of India’s greatest cultural ambassadors, passed away at the age of 73 in San Francisco

NEW DELHI: Renowned tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, celebrated as one of India’s greatest cultural ambassadors, passed away at the age of 73 in San Francisco due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, his family confirmed on Monday. The iconic musician leaves behind an unparalleled legacy that spans decades and transcends borders, earning him a revered place in the world of music.   Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai’s Mahim, Hussain inherited his rhythmic genius from his father, the legendary Ustad Allarakha, who was a long-time accompanist of Ravi Shankar. A child prodigy, Hussain began performing at concerts by the age of 12 and quickly rose to global prominence. His father’s profound influence on his artistry was evident. In a past interview, Hussain shared, “When I was born, my father recited tabla rhythms into my ears instead of traditional prayers, saying, ‘These are my prayers; this is how I worship.’”   ALSO READ: AP Dhillon surprises fans with Honey Singh and Jazzy B at Delhi show   Over his illustrious career, Hussain collaborated with India’s musical legends, including Ravi Shankar, Shivkumar Sharma, and Ali Akbar Khan. His groundbreaking work with Western artists like George Harrison, Yo-Yo Ma, and John McLaughlin brought Indian classical music to the global stage.

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