In recent context, we lost the eternal Ustad Zakir Hussain at the age of 73 on 15 December 2024 to a condition known as “Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis”. It is a chronic lung disease in which the air sacs of the lungs become bruised and fibrous, hampering the ability to exchange oxygen effectively.
Introducing Ustad Ji
Zakir Hussain Allahrakha Qureshi (9 March 1951 – 15 December 2024) was a legendary tabla player and one of India’s greatest cultural icons. He recently passed away at the age of 73 in the US. Widely celebrated for bringing Indian classical music to a global audience, he was the eldest son of tabla maestro Ustad Allah Rakha. Ustad Ji earned immense respect for his unparalleled speed, creativity, and technical skill. Consequently, he captured the hearts of audiences across the globe and multiple cultures. Thus, he remains an iconic and outstanding musician of all time.
Ustad Ji’s Honors
Ustad Ji won numerous prestigious awards, including four Grammys and the United States National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship. Notably, this fellowship is the highest honor given to traditional artists and musicians. He also received India’s esteemed Padma Awards: Padma Vibhushan (2023), Padma Bhushan (2002), and Padma Shri (1988). Furthermore, the Government of India honored him with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1990. Later, in 2018, he was conferred the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship and Ratna Sadsyata.
Ustad Ji received seven Grammy nominations throughout his career, winning four, including three in 2024. The Guardian lauded him as the most recognizable tabla player in the world. Similarly, The New York Times compared the speed of his fingers to the beat of a hummingbird’s wings. Specializing in Hindustani Classical Music, Jazz, and Fusion, he contributed his exceptional talent to several Bollywood films, such as Parasmani, Muhafiz, Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, Parzania, and Manto.
Ustad Ji’s Early Life and Education
Born on 9 March 1951 in present-day Mumbai, Maharashtra, Zakir Hussain was the son of Ustad Allah Rakha Qureshi, a legendary tabla maestro. He studied at St. Michael’s High School in Mahim and later graduated from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. His career spanned collaborations with legendary musicians such as George Harrison (Living in the Material World, 1973) and John Handy (Hard Work, 1973).
Additionally, he co-founded Bill Laswell’s world music supergroup, Tabla Beat Science. In 2016, he performed at the International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert at the White House upon the invitation of President Obama.
The Book on Ustad Ji
Nasreen Munni Kabir compiled 15 in-depth interview sessions with Zakir Hussain between 2016 and 2017, resulting in his biography, Zakir Hussain: A Life in Music. Published in 2018, the book chronicles his journey from childhood through his rigorous training years and eventual rise to global prominence.
Personal Life
Zakir Hussain was married to Antonia Minnecola, a Kathak dancer, teacher, and his manager. Together, they had two daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi. He also had two brothers, Taufiq Qureshi, a percussionist, and Fazal Qureshi, a tabla player.
Other Affiliations and Achievements
In 2005–2006, Zakir Hussain served as a full professor in the music department at Princeton University as an Old Dominion Fellow of the Humanities Council. Moreover, he was a visiting professor at Stanford University, further solidifying his global reputation.
In May 2022, the University of Mumbai awarded him an honorary Doctor of Law degree in recognition of his contributions to music.
- BBC said he was one of the world’s greatest table players.
- Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was a true genius who revolutionized the world of Indian classical music.
- Even guitarist John McLaughlin, who performed in collaboration with Hussain in the band Shakti, went on to describe him as the king, in whose hands rhythm became magic.
Indeed, India and the world at large, have lost a rare gem!
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