


Zakir Hussain, Legendary Tabla Player and Cultural Icon, Passes Away at 73
Hussain, the world’s greatest tabla player, died at 73 after a long illness, leaving behind a profound musical legacy.
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Overview
Zakir Hussain, aged 73, died from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in San Francisco, leaving a lasting legacy as the foremost tabla player. Born in 1951 in Mumbai, he was a child prodigy, touring by age 12 and collaborating with icons like George Harrison and Yo-Yo Ma. Hussain co-founded the jazz fusion group Shakti, blending Indian music with jazz. He received multiple Grammy Awards and accolades including the Padma Vibhushan. Remembered for his prolific teaching and cultural ambassadorship, he is survived by his wife and two daughters. Prime Minister Modi hailed him as a revolutionary figure in Indian classical music.
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