San Francisco, Dec 16 (V7N) — Renowned tabla virtuoso Ustad Zakir Hussain has passed away at the age of 73, according to reports from The Times of India, The Hindu, and NDTV. He breathed his last on Sunday while undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a hospital in San Francisco, USA, following complications related to heart problems.

The maestro had been admitted due to heart issues exacerbated by longstanding blood pressure concerns, as confirmed by his close friend and flautist Rakesh Chaurasia.

Born in Mumbai in 1951, Ustad Zakir Hussain was a prodigy who began playing the tabla at the age of three under the guidance of his father, the legendary Ustad Allarakha. By the age of seven, he performed his first concert, and by 11, he was touring globally.

Zakir Hussain was one of the most celebrated Indian musicians, having received prestigious awards such as the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan. In 1999, he was honoured with the highest civilian accolade in the United States, and he remains the only Indian artist to have won three Grammy Awards.

He also made history as the first Indian artist to perform at the All-Star Global Concert during Barack Obama’s presidency. His groundbreaking contributions to Indian classical music and fusion genres earned him global recognition and respect.

The music world mourns the loss of this legend whose artistry transcended borders and connected people worldwide.

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