Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain, A Legend In World Of Music, Dies At 73

 Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain, A Legend In World Of Music, Dies At 73l

Zakir Hussain: A recipient of many awards, he received five Grammy Awards in his career, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year.

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, battling heart-related problems, died at a US hospital today. He was 73. 

His manager, Nirmala Bachani, said he was admitted to a hospital in San Francisco. 

"Zakir Hussain, the peerless North Indian tabla player, favors an impish strain of virtuosity. He's a fearsome technician but also a whimsical inventor, devoted to exuberant play. So he rarely seems overbearing, even when the blur of his fingers rivals the beat of a hummingbird's wings," wrote New York Times about the artist when he performed at Carnegie Hall in 2009. 

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, battling heart-related problems, died at a US hospital today. He was 73. 

His manager, Nirmala Bachani, said he was admitted to a hospital in San Francisco. 

"Zakir Hussain, the peerless North Indian tabla player, favors an impish strain of virtuosity. He's a fearsome technician but also a whimsical inventor, devoted to exuberant play. So he rarely seems overbearing, even when the blur of his fingers rivals the beat of a hummingbird's wings," wrote New York Times about the artist when he performed at Carnegie Hall in 2009. 

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The Bombay-born eldest son of legendary tabla player Allah Rakha, Zakir Hussain followed in the footsteps of his father, becoming a marquee name in India and across the world.

Once narrating the story of his first booking, the percussionist said a letter came to their house offering a concert date to his father. Zakir wrote back saying that his father would not be able to accept the engagement but that his son was available. However, he didn't mention in the letter that he was only 13. It worked, and his musical career was under way. 

As news spread, tributes poured in from leaders, industrialists, musicians from all over. 

Minister Nitin Gadkari described the artist's death as an "irreparable loss to the country's art and music sector".

"The news of the death of renowned tabla player Padma Vibhushan Ustad Zakir Hussain is extremely sad. My heartfelt tribute to him. His passing away is an irreparable loss to the country's art and music sector. His contribution in the field of art is unprecedented. His dedication towards his art and his contribution will always be remembered. May God grant peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family and fans. Om Shanti!" Mr Gadkari posted on X. 

"Zakir Hussain Ji's tabla spoke a universal language, transcending borders, cultures and generations," said Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Industrialist Anand Mahindra wrote: "The rhythm of India paused today". He posted a video of a jugalbandi between the tabla player and the late singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.