The passing away of legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain on December 16, 2024, has left an indelible mark on the world of music and beyond. His death at 73 has sent shock waves through the music community as tributes have been coming in from all corners of the world, including Bollywood. He will live on in the history books for his immense contribution to Indian classical music and his global recognition as one of the greatest tabla players of all time.
I’m completely shocked & devastated…
Today I’ve lost an elder brother… A person who was always there for me no matter which part of the world he was, I always knew that he would be rooting for me. Whenever we met, we would pick up from where we left off as if no time had… pic.twitter.com/1PJRUdNbuu— Adnan Sami (@AdnanSamiLive) December 16, 2024
Adnan Sami, a Pakistani singer who had close relations with Zakir, reacted to the news by taking to social media to express shock and grief. He shared the two were to share an evening just days before his demise as he had a show in Mumbai on December 12, 2024. Zakir Hussain’s concert got scheduled but was postponed because he was not keeping good and needed rest. Plans are set to reschedule the event sometime in March 2025. Adnan calls him an elder brother. There is a series of photos along with the post:.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, #Robinhood will not be releasing on December 25th.
A new release date will be announced soon.@actor_nithiin @sreeleela14 @VenkyKudumula @gvprakash @MythriOfficial @SonyMusicSouth pic.twitter.com/gWH83pkK8k
— Mythri Movie Makers (@MythriOfficial) December 17, 2024
Amitabh Bachchan also grieved over the loss, saying that he still could not “digest” the passing of Zakir Hussain. He narrated personal and private memories of their time together, reflecting on the special connection they had.
T 5225 – still not able to digest the loss of Ustad Zakir Hussain .. so many personal and private moments , just a wonderful pleasant memory now ..
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) December 17, 2024
Zakir Hussain was fighting his last battle from San Francisco where he had been undergoing treatment for two weeks, and due to his health problems concerning high blood pressure and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the great maestro passed away. Despite all medical efforts and millions of prayers by his fans, the maestro is no more.
March 9, 1951, born to a great tabla maestro Ustad Allarakha in Mumbai, was Hussain who carries on with the rich legacy of Indian classical music in life. Surviving him is his wife, Antonia Minnecola, daughters Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi, and brothers Taufiq and Fazal Qureshi and sister Khurshid Aulia.
His untimely death is not only a loss to his family but to the entire world of music, which will forever honor his unmatched artistry and influence.