The legendary tabla maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain, passed away on December 15, 2024, due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (a chronic lung disease). The unfortunate demise of one of the greatest tabla players in history created a stir worldwide. With three Grammy Awards, Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Kyoto Prize, and many more prestigious awards to his name, Zakir Hussain was one of the most celebrated musicians of his era.
Zakir Hussain died at the age of 73: India’s PM, Narendra Modi, pays tribute to three-time Emmy Award winner
As soon as the unfortunate news of Zakir Hussain’s demise was confirmed by the musician’s family in an official statement to NPR, people started sharing their tributes on social media. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, penned a long note in which he thanked the legendary musician for his incredible contribution to classical music. Labelling Zakir Hussain as a ‘True Genius’, Narendra Modi also admitted that the late tabla master was an icon of ‘cultural unity’.
