Padma Bhushan Ustad Zakir Hussain Passes Away at 73

Padma Bhushan Ustad Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla player, passed away at the age of 73 in a US hospital due to heart-related problems. His music and legacy will continue to inspire generations.

Early Life: A Musical Prodigy

• Born in Mumbai in 1951, Zakir Hussain was the son of tabla legend Ustad Allah Rakha. From a young age, he showed extraordinary talent and started performing at just seven years old. Trained rigorously by his father, he became a master of the tabla, known for his passion and skill.
• Zakir Hussain elevated the tabla from being just an accompanying instrument to a powerful solo instrument. His technical brilliance and emotional playing redefined the way the world sees Indian classical music. He worked with famous musicians like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, leaving a lasting mark on Indian music.
• In 1970, Zakir Hussain co-founded Shakti, a music group blending Indian classical music and jazz. He worked with artists like John McLaughlin, George Harrison, and Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead. His group Planet Drum even won a Grammy Award, proving his talent for bringing different musical styles together.
• Zakir Hussain also composed music for films like Heat and Dust and In Custody. He worked on international ballet and orchestra projects, taking Indian music to new audiences worldwide.

Awards and Honors

Zakir Hussain received many prestigious awards, including:

• Padma Bhushan (2002), Padma Shri (1988) and Padma Vibhushan (2023).
• A Grammy Award for his project Planet Drum.
• Honorary doctorates for his contributions to music.

These awards celebrate his dedication to music and his role in promoting Indian culture globally.

Quick Facts about Zakir Hussain

• Born: 1951, Mumbai, India
• Father: Ustad Allah Rakha (Tabla Maestro)
• Famous Collaborations: Pandit Ravi Shankar, John McLaughlin, George Harrison, Mickey Hart
• Key Projects: Shakti, Planet Drum
• Awards: Padma Bhushan, Padma Visbhushan, Padma Shri, Grammy Award
• Legacy: Revolutionized the tabla and took Indian music global.