Renowned tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain has been the most influential figure in the world of music. His legacy, innovative approach, excellence, and his deep commitment to spreading Indian classical music in the global arena have been priceless contributions. Zakir Hussain passed away at 73, after spending his final moments at the San Francisco Hospital, USA.
His family shared the news while highlighting his legacy: “He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come.”.
Reportedly, the 73-year-old US-based musician has been suffering from blood pressure issues. According to Nirmala Bachani, Hussain’s manager in San Francisco, he has been admitted to a hospital for a heart-related problem,
Reflecting on Early Years of his Life
Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Zakir Hussain was a child prodigy, demonstrating his innate sense of rhythm from his younger years of life. He was a son of renowned tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha, who noticed Hussain tapping perfect beats on household objects. Soon, with his great table-beating skills, he rose to prominence and was widely regarded as the greatest table player of his generation.
He was married to Antonio Minnecola and had two daughters named Anisa and Isabella Qureshi. His extended family includes his two brothers, named Taufiq and Fazal Qureshi, and his sister, Khurshid Aulia.
Education
Hussain completed his early education at St. Michael’s School in Mahin and did his graduation from St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai.
Acting
Known for his charming and alluring personality, Zakir Hussain was a beloved personality for his unmatched rhythmic skills and musical talent. Zakir Hussain also dabbled in acting and appeared in several films, including Heat and Dust in 1983, where he played the role of a table player. He also acted in Saaz, a film based on the lives of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle. He also acted in Monkey Man, which is directed and produced by Dev Patel.
Musical Collaborations
Talking about his musical collaborations, he collaborated with guitarist McLaughlin, creating a blend of eastern and western musical traditions. He also collaborated in a Grammy Award-winning collaboration with Mickey Hart, Nigerian percussionist Sikiru Adepoju, and Puerto Rican jazz musician Giovanni Hidalgo for the Global Drum project.
Zakir also collaborated on a live jazz album named Sangam with saxophonist Charles Lloyd and drummer Eric Harland, blending jazz and Indian classical music.
He also made a fusion of Indian music and jazz with American saxophonist John Handy and sarod player Ali Akbar Khan.
Some Notable Achievements of Zakir Hussain
In 2023, Zakir Hussain was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second highest civilian award, for his outstanding contribution to the expansion of Indian music. In 2002, he was also bestowed with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian award, for his musical achievements.
Hussain also got the Padma Shri in 2023, India’s fourth highest civilian award, for his contributions to Indian classical music. Apart from this, Zakir Hussain has been awarded multiple times with Grammy Awards, including Best Global Music in 2024, Best Global Music Performance in 2019, and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album in 2009.
Further in 1999, he was also awarded with the National Endowment for the Arts, USA. This is one of the highest honorary awards for traditional artists. He was also recognized with the officer of the order of Arts and Letters in 2006 by the French Government.
In 1990 and 2018, he received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, India’s highest recognition in the field of performing arts.
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