Renowned tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away on 15 December 2024 at the age of 73 in San Francisco due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. His passing marks the end of an era, not just for
but for the global music scene. A pioneer who brought the tabla to the world stage, Ustad Zakir’s journey is as extraordinary as the rhythms he created, blending tradition with innovation and earning international acclaim through stellar collaborations and global performances.
Here are some lesser-known stories that capture his life and legacy:
In his early years, Ustad Zakir often travelled by train and when he couldn’t find a seat, he slept on the floor, using newspapers as bedding. Despite the discomfort, he always kept his tabla in his lap, carefully protecting it from being touched or damaged. Even then, his respect for the instrument was evident.
Ustad Zakir developed a deep interest in the tabla at the tender age of seven. Under the strict, disciplined guidance of his father, the legendary Ustad Alla Rakha, he underwent rigorous training. By the time most children were just learning to , Zakir was already giving public performances, showcasing his early genius.
At just 12 years old, Zakir earned his first payment for a tabla performance — a humble five rupees. It was a small sum, but it carried the weight of a dream. From that moment, his journey began, one that would take him far beyond those early, modest stages to the around the world, redefining the role of Indian percussion on the global stage.
While his tabla remained at the core of his identity, he stepped in front of the camera with a natural ease. In Heat and Dust (1983), he portrayed the musician he always was, blurring the lines between art and life. Later, in Saaz, inspired by the legendary Mangeshkar sisters, his presence lent authenticity to the story. Most recently, he appeared in Dev Patel’s Monkey Man.
Ustad Zakir’s influence extended to academia as well. He served as an Old Dominion Fellow and full music department professor at Princeton University during the 2005–2006 academic year. He also worked as a visiting professor at Stanford University, where he shared his profound knowledge of rhythm and music with students.
Ustad Zakir Hussain is the only Indian to win four Grammy awards.
In the 1970s, Ustad Zakir’s tabla became a bridge between worlds. He collaborated with icons like Beat Generation poet Allen Ginsberg, George Harrison, John Handy and Sir George Ivan Morrison. More than performances, these collaborations were conversations, with his rhythms speaking to musicians and listeners across cultures and genres.
Ustad Zakir’s role in the fusion band Shakti was transformative. The band’s first album, released in 1976, changed the music scene. After a decades-long hiatus, Shakti reunited in 2020 to release This Moment, which went on to win the for Best Global Music Album, triumphing over renowned artists.
As his passing leaves an emptiness that words cannot fill, the four-time Grammy winner’s presence on stage and screen has left an indelible legacy. His rhythms will forever echo in our hearts, inspiring generations to come.
Edited by Khushi Arora; All pictures courtesy Zakir Hussain ( )
Here are some lesser-known stories that capture his life and legacy:
1. He slept on train floors
In his early years, Ustad Zakir often travelled by train and when he couldn’t find a seat, he slept on the floor, using newspapers as bedding. Despite the discomfort, he always kept his tabla in his lap, carefully protecting it from being touched or damaged. Even then, his respect for the instrument was evident.
2. His love for the tabla began at the age of seven
Ustad Zakir developed a deep interest in the tabla at the tender age of seven. Under the strict, disciplined guidance of his father, the legendary Ustad Alla Rakha, he underwent rigorous training. By the time most children were just learning to , Zakir was already giving public performances, showcasing his early genius.
3. He earned Rs 5 for his first performance
At just 12 years old, Zakir earned his first payment for a tabla performance — a humble five rupees. It was a small sum, but it carried the weight of a dream. From that moment, his journey began, one that would take him far beyond those early, modest stages to the around the world, redefining the role of Indian percussion on the global stage.
4. Ustad Zakir even explored acting!
While his tabla remained at the core of his identity, he stepped in front of the camera with a natural ease. In Heat and Dust (1983), he portrayed the musician he always was, blurring the lines between art and life. Later, in Saaz, inspired by the legendary Mangeshkar sisters, his presence lent authenticity to the story. Most recently, he appeared in Dev Patel’s Monkey Man.
5. He taught at Standford
Ustad Zakir’s influence extended to academia as well. He served as an Old Dominion Fellow and full music department professor at Princeton University during the 2005–2006 academic year. He also worked as a visiting professor at Stanford University, where he shared his profound knowledge of rhythm and music with students.
Ustad Zakir Hussain is the only Indian to win four Grammy awards.
6. He collaborated with the world’s biggest music legends
In the 1970s, Ustad Zakir’s tabla became a bridge between worlds. He collaborated with icons like Beat Generation poet Allen Ginsberg, George Harrison, John Handy and Sir George Ivan Morrison. More than performances, these collaborations were conversations, with his rhythms speaking to musicians and listeners across cultures and genres.
7. He made history with ‘Shakti’
Ustad Zakir’s role in the fusion band Shakti was transformative. The band’s first album, released in 1976, changed the music scene. After a decades-long hiatus, Shakti reunited in 2020 to release This Moment, which went on to win the for Best Global Music Album, triumphing over renowned artists.
As his passing leaves an emptiness that words cannot fill, the four-time Grammy winner’s presence on stage and screen has left an indelible legacy. His rhythms will forever echo in our hearts, inspiring generations to come.
Edited by Khushi Arora; All pictures courtesy Zakir Hussain ( )