San Francisco, USA: Renowned tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain, celebrated as one of the world's greatest musicians, passed away at the age of 73 in San Francisco due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The news was confirmed on December 16 by his family spokesperson, Jon Bleicher.

Earlier reports of his death on December 15 caused some confusion after a tweet from India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which initially confirmed the news, was deleted. Official confirmation from his family and the hospital in San Francisco, where he had been undergoing medical evaluations, was awaited at that time.

In a statement, his family said, “He leaves behind an unmatched legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the finest musicians in history.”

Born to legendary tabla maestro Ustad Allarakha, Zakir Hussain began his journey as a prodigy and went on to revolutionize Indian classical music. He collaborated with legendary figures like Ravi Shankar, Shivkumar Sharma, and Ali Akbar Khan, creating milestones in Indian music.

Hussain’s influence extended beyond borders, as he worked with global icons such as Yo-Yo Ma, George Harrison, Béla Fleck, and Mickey Hart, introducing the rhythms of India to international audiences.

He co-founded trailblazing ensembles like Shakti and Planet Drum and made history by winning five Grammy Awards, including three in March 2024—a record for any Indian artist in a single night. His immense contributions were recognized with prestigious accolades such as the Padma Vibhushan, the Kyoto Prize, and the US National Heritage Fellowship. He also composed for films, collaborated with dance troupes, and nurtured numerous aspiring musicians.

In 2022, Hussain was honored with the Kyoto Prize for his efforts in advancing cultural and spiritual enrichment globally. In India, he received the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, as well as the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and Fellowship—a rare distinction reserved for a select group of artists.

The United States recognized his artistry with the National Heritage Fellowship in 1999, the highest lifetime honor for traditional artists. In 2017, SFJazz awarded him the Lifetime Achievement Award for his unparalleled impact on music. In 2022, he was also conferred the Aga Khan Award for his lasting contributions to humanity's musical heritage, unmatched mastery, and profound social influence.

The family’s statement emphasized Hussain’s legacy as a teacher and mentor, noting that he inspired countless musicians to achieve excellence. “His passion for nurturing the next generation of artists will remain his enduring gift to the world,” the family said, while requesting privacy during this time.