Ustad Zakir Hossain's family confirms maestro’s death

Legendary Indian tabla player Ustad Zakir Hossain has died while undergoing treatment in the United States. He was 73 years old.

Zakir Hossain's family confirmed the news of his death on Monday (December 16).

He was undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a hospital in San Francisco, USA.

Earlier, on Sunday night, most of the leading media outlets in India reported the news of Zakir Hossain's death, which left music lovers in a state of shock. Many expressed their condolences on social media.

Anandabazar Patrika also reported that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences.

On Sunday night, Mamata wrote on X, “Deeply shocked by the death of the greatest tabla player of all time, Ustad Zakir Hussain. A great loss for the country and his millions of fans. My heartfelt condolences to Zakir Hussain’s family and his fans.”

Later, one named Aamir Auliya said in a post on X that he is Zakir Hussain’s nephew. Zakir Hussain is not dead. He asked everyone to pray for their uncle’s physical recovery.

Ustad Zakir Hossain's sister Khurshid Auliya then told PTI, "My brother is seriously ill at the moment. We request all his fans and admirers in India and around the world to pray for his recovery."

Born in Mumbai in 1951, he started early. He began learning music at an early age from his father and great tabla player, Ustad Alla Rakha. The child prodigy performed his first concert at the age of seven and began touring at 12. After completing his education in Mumbai, where he was born, he moved to the United States in 1970.

The artiste, a marquee name in India and abroad, leaves behind more than 60 years of music. He played on the stage alongside some of the greatest Indian and international musicians in a fusion of Indian classical and world music, giving the tabla a whole new identity.

And this music maestro has also won the Grammy Award, the most prestigious award in world music. In February last, Hussain became the first musician from India to receive three Grammys at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in February for Best Global Music Album, Best Global Music Performance and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.

In 1988, the Indian government awarded him the title of "Padma Shri". In 2002, he received the "Padma Bhushan", and in 2023, he received the "Padma Vibhushan". Zakir Hossain received the "Sangeet Natak Academy Award" in 1990, which is considered India's highest honor in the music.

Zakir is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, and daughters Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.