Zakir Hussain’s Death: Loss of Music and Legacy

“Zakir Hussain’s music will forever echo in the hearts of those who heard it, a timeless tribute to the soul’s deepest expressions. May his spirit find eternal peace, and may his legacy inspire us with the same rhythm and grace he brought into the world.”

Zakir Hussain, 73, died in a hospital in San Francisco, California, United States. His family confirmed that he died because of complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. His passing has devastated the music industry and left movie stars sad. Hussain, widely recognized as the finest tabla musician of his age, is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, and two children, Anisa and Isabella Qureshi.

Tributes from celebrities

Celebrities from all eras and disciplines lamented the loss of the great artist. Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Kangana Ranaut, Akshay Kumar, Hansal Mehta, and Dia Mirza, among others, mourned his loss on social media. Everyone expressed thanks for the opportunities he provided and the legacy he left in the shape of his artwork. He was a true gem in India’s musical tradition. Everyone recalls him as an inspiration, a towering figure who brought the tabla to international prominence. His loss is incalculable to all of us.

AR Rahman shared a post on X and condoled Hussain’s death. “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. Zakir Bhai was an inspiration, a towering personality who elevated the tabla to global acclaim. His loss is immeasurable for all of us. I regret not being able to collaborate with him as much as we did decades ago, though we had planned an album together. You shall be truly missed. May his family and his countless students worldwide find the strength to bear this immense loss (sic).”’

Kamal Haasan shared a throwback picture with Hussain on X along with a heartfelt note, “Zakir Bhai! He left too soon. Yet we are grateful for the times he gave us and what he left behind in the form of his art. Goodbye and Thank you (sic).”

Grammy-winner Ricky Kej was also disheartened about the death of Zakir Hussain. “Shocked, deeply saddened and devastated by the passing-on of the legend Ustad Zakir Hussain. One of the greatest musicians and personalities India has ever produced. Along with being the best himself, Zakirji was known for his immense humility, approachable nature, and for being responsible for the careers of numerous musicians, who are now forced to reckon with themselves. He was a treasure trove of skill and knowledge and always shared and encouraged the entire music community through collaborations and his actions. His legacy will live on forever, and his influence will be felt for generations. He left us too soon (sic).”

National Award-winning actor Nithya Menen remembered Zakir Hussain with these words, “There is one regret I will have – that the day actually won’t come where I see this extraordinary artist performing live. What a special soul, with an unadulterated connection to the divine. A true artist. Who did not take himself so seriously? Such playfulness and lightness in his music and yet, an undeniable intensity that made me forget to breathe. With a classical instrument, he somehow created comedy, made you laugh, and simultaneously marvelled at his enormous talent. One of my two favourite people. Both gone now (sic).”

Assets of the Priceless Gem

He was born on March 9, 1951, and is the son of famed tabla teacher Ustad Alla Rakha. Hussain was acclaimed not just for his exceptional tabla talents, but also for his enormous contributions to music. He was honoured with India’s highest honours, including the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023. These awards demonstrate his ongoing influence on the music business and his standing as a cultural icon.

Hussain gained significant money over his stellar career, with his net worth believed to be around $1 million (Rs 9 crore). His appearances were widely sought after, with payments ranging from 5 to 10 lakh rupees for every event. This financial success contrasted sharply with his poor origins when he earned only Rs 5 for his first performance. Hussain’s rise from humble to millionaire status exemplifies the global praise and financial success that his enormous skill and hard work earned him.

Zakir Hussain’s musical brilliance may be traced back to his father, Ustad Allah Rakha, a well-known tabla musician. Hussain acquired his tremendous aptitude for the tabla from his father, carrying on the family’s tradition of musical brilliance. This lineage influenced Hussain’s career, allowing him to continue the tradition with his flare and inventiveness.

His death is a tremendous blow to the music industry, signalling the end of an era in Indian classical music. His accomplishments, as a solo artist and collaborator, have left an everlasting impression on the music world, inspiring generations of musicians and music fans alike. His death not only marks the loss of a renowned performer but also the decline of a rich musical history that he so beautifully represented.

The death of Zakir Hussain symbolizes the end of an era in the realm of music and culture. His outstanding contribution to the art of tabla playing, as well as his originality and ability to blend traditional and modern forms, have left an everlasting impression on the world music landscape. While his physical presence is no longer with us, his legacy lives on via his music, influencing future generations of musicians and listeners. May his spirit rest in eternal peace, and may we find consolation in the rhythms he established, which will endure forever.

~ By Sudeepa Ghosh