Zakir Hussain, the 73-year-old legendary musician left everyone upset. After he passed away due to heart-related issues. He was admitted to a hospital in San Francisco.
Zakir Hussain was hospitalized for the last two weeks and was later taken to the ICU after his condition deteriorated. Initially, the news of his demise surfaced on Sunday. But his family dismissed the reports saying he was alive. However, On Monday morning, a statement from his family confirmed to India Todaystating “Zakir Hussain, one of the world’s most transcendent musicians, passed away from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in San Francisco at the age of 73”.
Now let’s find out some lesser known facts about him.
Zakir Hussain the legendary tabla master was born on the third of March in 1951 in Mumbai. He was a son of the Ustad Allah Rakha, another great tabla master. Music Zakir first performed on stage when he was seven years old. He patiently dedicated himself to practicing and studying for hours a day with his father, who has a strict but caring attitude. These formative years of development were responsible for what he turned out to be. A famous musician.
A Pioneer in Fusion Music
Not only was Zakir Hussain a leading exponent of Indian classical music, he also played a leading part in bringing Indian rhythms to the world. He was one of the pioneers of fusion music, the man behind the formation of Shakti along with guitarist John McLaughlin. Having given her first public concert in Harlem, New York Shakti. Indian classical music and jazz enthralled the world. Zakir was not limited to this he played with other orchestras and bands from the western countries.
Contribution to Education
Apart from being a brilliant performer, Zakir Hussain was also a dedicated teacher. He shared his knowledge with students at prestigious institutions like Princeton University, Stanford University, and the University of California, Berkeley. He believed in spreading the art of tabla and helping young musicians understand its depth and beauty. His teaching wasn’t just about music—it was also about fostering cultural understanding.
A Humble Storyteller
In his concerts, he tackled several funny and inspiring stories that cut across his life experiences, journeys, and meetings with other great musicians. Not only could he equally sing and captivate crowds, but storytelling made him even more endearing.
Family and Personal Life
The private life of Zakir Hussain was also as great as his professional life. He married a Kathak dancer and also a teacher. This proved his profound regard for other forms of Art in India. Anisa and Isabella, the two daughters marvelously raised by the couple also pursued careers in the creative niche. Zakir traveled the world over and became a guru in the art of playing the tabla but he remained very composed. He was friendly, polite, and stressed traditions, discipline, and passion, for life and music.
Exploring Cinema
Few are aware that apart from being a great tabla player Zakir Hussain has tried his hand at the cinema too. He also wrote the music for movies. In cinema he was able to create stories through music and thus, touching people at heart.Zakir Hussain was a traditional but progressive. He was a link between the past and the present. It is upsetting that he has left the world but his songs, message, and work will always be remembered.
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