Renowned tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away at the age of 73 in a San Francisco hospital on December 15, 2024. He was admitted to the ICU due to a heart-related ailment after his health deteriorated. His passing has deeply saddened the global music community.

Known for revolutionizing Indian classical music and collaborating with international artists, Hussain’s legacy remains unparalleled. His family and admirers worldwide mourn the loss of a musical icon whose contributions will be remembered forever.

In 1991, Zakir Hussain collaborated with drummer Mickey Hart on the album Planet Drum, which went on to win a Grammy Award. He was honored with the Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 1991. Zakir became the first Indian musician to be invited to the White House.

Zakir was also awarded the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023 by the Government of India.