Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passes away  

Four time Grammy winner, global ambassador of rhythm & harmony

Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla maestro, percussionist, composer and occasional actor and global ambassador of Indian classical music, passed away at a hospital in San Francisco, California, after a brief illness. His death marks the end of an era in world music.

Today, the world of music mourns the loss of Zakir Hussain, the iconic tabla maestro, composer, and global ambassador of Indian classical music. Hussain, 73, who had been admitted to a hospital in San Francisco in California for treatment, he passed away due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. His revolutionary approach to the tabla, blending traditional Indian rhythms with global genres, had earned him global acclaim.

Hussain’s death marks the loss of an iconic figure whose profound influence on the world of music transcended borders, cultures and genres.

Born into a musical family in Mumbai on March 9, 1951, Hussain was destined to become one of the greatest tabla players the world has ever seen. He was the son of Ustad Allah Rakha, a renowned tabla virtuoso, and was introduced to music at a very young age. Hussain’s innate talent and passion for the tabla became evident early on, and by his teens, he had already begun performing professionally.

Hussain’s first major breakthrough came when he was just 18 years old, when he had the opportunity to perform with the legendary sitarist Pandit Ravi Shankar. This collaboration was a turning point in his career, and it set the stage for his rise to global prominence. By the time he was 19, Hussain was playing over 150 concerts annually, both in India and abroad, establishing himself as a sought-after tabla virtuoso.

While tabla had traditionally been seen as an accompaniment to vocalists or instrumentalists in Indian classical music,  Hussain revolutionised its role. His unparalleled virtuosity and innovation turned the tabla into a  solo instrument that could command the stage. His ability to blend rhythm, melody, and intricate rhythms captivated audiences worldwide, earning him not just the admiration of classical music enthusiasts but also the respect of musicians from diverse genres.

Over the years, Hussain collaborated with an array of legendary artists, bridging the gap between Indian classical music and other global music traditions. His 1992 album Planet Drum, a collaboration with drummer Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead, won a Grammy in the inaugural category of Best World Music Album. This achievement marked a significant moment in the recognition of world music and showcased Hussain’s role in shaping the genre.

Hussain’s collaborations with artists such as George Harrison of the Beatles, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and rock legend Van Morrison further solidified his position as a global music icon. His work with Shakti, a fusion group that blended Indian classical music with jazz, revolutionised the way tabla was perceived and opened doors for future collaborations between Eastern and Western musicians.

Throughout his career, Hussain was the recipient of numerous prestigious awards. In 2009, he won his first Grammy Award, and in 2024, he made history by becoming the first musician from India to win three Grammy Awards in the same year.

Hussain’s contributions to music were also recognised by the Indian government, which awarded him the Padma Vibhushan in 2023, one of the country’s highest civilian honours, for his invaluable contributions to the arts.

Hussain was also a recipient of the Padma Shri in 1990, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1987, and seven Grammy nominations over the course of his career. His influence extended beyond awards, as he earned admiration from musicians across genres for his technical brilliance and artistic sensitivity.

Hussain’s versatility extended beyond the realm of music into films and advertisements, where he left a memorable mark. As an actor, he appeared in the 1983 film Heat and Dust, directed by James Ivory, showcasing his charisma beyond the stage. He also contributed significantly to the music of films, composing and performing for soundtracks such as Apocalypse Now and In Custody.

Hussain made significant contributions to Indian cinema also both as a composer and actor. He composed, performed, and served as the Indian music advisor for the Malayalam film Vanaprastham (1999), which was a standout entry at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the AFI Los Angeles International Film Festival (AFI Fest).The film also won accolades at the 2000 Istanbul International Film Festival, 2000 Mumbai International Film Festival, and the 2000 National Film Awards.

Hussain also showcased his musical prowess in documentaries like Zakir and His Friends (1998) and The Speaking Hand: Zakir Hussain and the Art of the Indian Drum (2003), directed by Sumantra Ghosal. His cinematic journey began with his acting role as Inder Lal in the 1983 Merchant Ivory film Heat and Dust, where he also served as an associate music director. A key moment in his career came as a founding member of Bill Laswell’s world music supergroup Tabla Beat Science, which further elevated his global influence.

In advertisements, Hussain became a household name with his charismatic presence. He was notably featured in the Taj Mahal tea ads, where his tagline, “Wah Taj!” became iconic, cementing his status as a cultural figure. The campaign resonated with audiences, combining his musical genius with an everyday product, making Indian classical music relatable to the masses. Through these ventures, Hussain bridged traditional art with popular culture, further solidifying his widespread appeal.

In 2016, Hussain’s talent was celebrated on an international stage when he was invited by former US President Barack  Obama to perform at the International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert at the White House, underscoring his status as a cultural ambassador of Indian music.

Beyond his role as a performer, Hussain was deeply invested in preserving and propagating the rich traditions of Indian classical music. He was a teacher and mentor, guiding generations of young tabla players and musicians. Through his foundation, the Zakir Hussain Foundation, he worked to promote classical music, reaching audiences both in India and around the world.

Hussain’s commitment to the global spread of Indian music was also reflected in his international performances and collaborations. He served as a cultural ambassador, showcasing the beauty and complexity of Indian classical music to audiences far and wide. His ability to communicate the nuances of rhythm and tabla through his performances made him a key figure in fostering cross-cultural dialogue.