Author: Rasmita Jena

Zakir Hussain, a famous tabla player and an important figure in Indian classical music, sadly passed away on Monday in San Francisco at the age of 73. His family shared that he died from a disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which affects the lungs. His loss is felt deeply in the music world, and many people, including politicians and fans, have expressed their sadness and paid tribute to his incredible contributions to music.

Just last year, Zakir Hussain stood as a pallbearer at the funeral of his dear friend and fellow musician, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, who died from a heart attack at age 84. Their friendship was strong, and Hussain’s heartfelt actions at the funeral showed how much he respected Sharma. Photos of him by the funeral pyre touched many hearts, reminding everyone of their beautiful collaboration in music over many years.

Zakir Hussain and Shivkumar Sharma shared many memorable concerts. One highlights was in 1979, when they performed together in Mumbai, celebrating 25 years of the santoor, another traditional Indian instrument. Their friendship was also grounded in their backgrounds as Dogra musicians from Jammu, a bond they cherished.

Zakir’s journey to success began in humble surroundings, where he carried his tabla on crowded trains in Mumbai, often sleeping with it to keep it safe. He learned under the guidance of his father, Ustad Alla Rakha, who also supported Sharma’s early career.

Hussain was not just a master of tablas; he was a pioneer of fusion music. He co-founded a groundbreaking group called Shakti, blending Indian classical music with jazz. His collaborations crossed cultural boundaries and inspired both classical and modern musicians around the world.

Throughout his life, Zakir Hussain received numerous awards for his contributions to music, including India’s highest honors. He worked hard to bring Indian rhythms into the global music scene, leaving a lasting impact.

Zakir Hussain’s passing was confirmed after he spent two weeks in the hospital. His family reassured everyone that his music and the inspiration he gave will live on. Political figures and industry leaders from all over shared their condolences, reinforcing the depth of his influence.

Hussain’s story encourages young musicians everywhere, proving that with dedication and passion, anyone can turn musical dreams into a lasting legacy.

Renowned tabla player Zakir Hussain passed away in a San Francisco hospital, according to his family. He was 73 years old and struggled with a condition called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He had been in the hospital for two weeks and was moved to intensive care when he got worse. His sister, Khurshid Aulia, shared that he died peacefully.

Zakir, born on March 9, 1951, to famous tabla master Ustad Alla Rakha, is remembered as one of the best tabla players ever. He is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, and their two daughters, Anisa and Isabella Qureshi.

When the news of his passing spread, many people shared their condolences online. Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej spoke about Zakir’s kindness and how he helped many musicians succeed. He described Hussain as a treasure of skill and knowledge who will always be remembered.

Drummer Nate Smith also expressed thanks for the music Hussain gave to the world. Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi called him an irreplaceable legend, stating that the world of music is less bright without him.

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta highlighted Hussain’s role in making the tabla a popular instrument and expressed deep sorrow over his loss. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called Hussain a true guardian of India’s rich music tradition, saying that his contributions to art were unmatched.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge honored Hussain as a cultural ambassador who connected people through his beautiful rhythms. He said Zakir carried on his father’s legacy through amazing performances and collaborations.

Mumbai: Maharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan shared his sadness over the passing of legendary tabla player Ustad Zakir Hussain. The talented musician died at the age of 73 in a hospital in San Francisco due to health issues related to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. In his message of condolence, the Governor praised Hussain as a dedicated student of the famous Ustad Alla Rakha, who made the tabla a worldwide favorite. Hussain’s performances won the hearts of both classical music lovers and everyday audiences. He was known for his lively and engaging shows. The Governor mentioned how Hussain played alongside many famous musicians over the years, leaving a huge impact on music. With his passing, both India and Maharashtra have lost a true cultural treasure. Ustad Zakir Hussain’s music will always be remembered and will inspire future musicians to create and strive for greatness. The Governor extended his deep sorrow to Hussain’s family and his many fans. Former Union minister Sharad Pawar expressed his sadness, calling Hussain a multi-talented artist who brought the tabla to international fame. “A legend in the art world has left us today,” Pawar said.

In certain groups like CPI (Maoist), many members must have a surgery called ‘nasbandi’ if they want to get married. This procedure is basically a vasectomy, which stops a man from being able to have children permanently. Senior leaders of the group believe that having kids can distract fighters from their mission and might cause them to leave the movement.

One former Maoist fighter from Telangana shared that he had to undergo this surgery before marrying. After leaving the armed group, he had another surgery to reverse the first one, allowing him to become a father to a baby boy. He isn’t alone; many others in similar situations have also chosen to reverse this procedure to build their families after leaving the movement.

During a meeting with some former Maoists, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah learned about how widespread the practice of ‘nasbandi’ is among the fighters. Many told him that they had to undergo this procedure to be allowed to marry. One woman, Sukanti Mari, mentioned that her husband also underwent ‘nasbandi’ before their wedding, but sadly, he was later killed in an encounter with the police.

In the meeting, Shah praised the young people who had realized that violence is not the answer and had chosen to give up their arms. He encouraged others still involved in such movements to surrender and join society, promising them rehabilitation support from the government. He mentioned that there are job opportunities and financial aid available for those who choose to leave the path of violence.

Renowned tabla player Zakir Hussain has sadly passed away in the US at the age of 73 on December 15. He had been in the hospital for serious health issues and was in the ICU due to heart problems.

After the news came out, industrialist Harsh Goenka shared on social media, saying, “The world is quiet now as we lose the tabla’s maestro. Zakir Hussain was a genius who brought Indian music to the world. His beats will always be remembered.”

Zakir was the son of famous tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha Khan and was a well-known figure in Indian and global music. He started learning the tabla at just seven years old and was already performing across India by the age of 12.

Throughout his amazing career, Zakir contributed to Indian classical music and world music. He worked on many acclaimed films, both Indian and international, showcasing his unique talent on the tabla. Nearly forty years ago, he moved to San Francisco with his family but continued to influence music worldwide.

Zakir Hussain received many prestigious awards for his work, including India’s highest civilian honors: the Padma Shri in 1988, Padma Bhushan in 2002, and Padma Vibhushan in 2023. He was also awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1990, which is India’s top recognition in music.