Zakir Hussain passed away at the age of 73 due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in a hospital in San Francisco, USA. After much confusion and misinformation on Zakir Hussain's health, his family has confirmed that he is no longer with us. For the uninitiated, Zakir Hussain's alleged nephew, Ameer Aulia, created a stir globally when he dropped a tweet on Twitter in which he mentioned that Zakir Hussain is alive and battling for his life, refuting his death reports. The tweet relieved so many people across the globe who were praying for Zakir Hussain's well-being.
However, the family of the legendary tabla master talked to NPR on November 16, 2024, and confirmed the heartbreaking news of Zakir Hussain's demise at 73. In the official confirmation, Zakir's family shared that he had left an indelible mark on so many musicians across the globe with his work and role as a mentor and teacher. Further, in their conversation with NPR, Zakir's family members also labelled him as a 'cultural ambassador' and one of the 'greatest musicians of all time'.
For the uninitiated, Ustad Zakir Hussain is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, his two brothers, Taufiq Qureshi and Fazal Qureshi, his sister, Khurshid Aulia, and two daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi. The family ended their statement by saying that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. His family told NPR:
"His prolific work as a teacher, mentor, and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians. He hoped to inspire the next generation to go further. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come."
In a conversation with PTI, Zakir Hussain's sister, Khurshid Aulia opened up about her brother's unfortunate demise. The doting sister shared that her brother passed away 'very peacefully'. She further revealed that even the ventilator machine was switched off moments before the tabla maestro passed away. For the uninitiated, Zakir Hussain was put on a ventilator after he started facing some life-threatening complications in his body due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which is a chronic disease related to the lungs.
After his family officially confirmed Zakir Hussain's death in a conversation with NPR, several celebrities and renowned personalities have started paying their heartfelt tributes to the legendary tabla maestro. Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, reacted to Zakir Hussain's demise with an emotional tweet. The politician called it a 'great loss', and it can be read as:
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"The news of the demise of the great tabla player Ustad Zakir Hussain ji is extremely sad. His demise is a great loss for the music world. My condolences are with his family and fans in this hour of grief. Ustad Zakir Hussain ji has left behind such a legacy of his art, which will always remain alive in our memories."
Renowned industrialist, Gautam Adani also reacted to Zakir Hussain's passing with an emotional note. The chairman of the Adani Group wrote, "The world has lost a rhythm it can never replace. Ustad Zakir Hussain, our maestro whose tabla beats will forever echo in the soul of India, leaves behind his inimitable form of timeless art. His legacy is an eternal taal, resonating through generations to come. RIP." Not only this, Anand Mahindra also penned a deep one-liner on Zakir Hussain's death, and it can be read as:
"The rhythm of India paused today. In tribute."
Bollywood actress, Kangana Ranaut shared a video of Zakir Hussain on her Instagram stories in which the late maestro was saying, "Knowledge is like a fast flowing river. And that river is passing through, just like Lord Shiva, Ganga passed through him". On top of the video, Kangana penned a note in which she thanked Zakir Hussain for his incredible contribution to Indian music. Her note can be read as:
"You made India richer. Thank you for your contribution."
South Indian megastar, Kamal Haasan also reacted to Zakir Hussain's death and dropped an unseen picture from the past that is now doing rounds on the internet. The legendary tabla maestro and iconic actor could be seen jamming together, while Kamal Haasan could be seen playing the tabla, Zakir looked so happy at that moment. Along with the priceless picture, Kamal Haasan penned a note in which he shared that the musician left too soon. His note can be read as:
"Zakir Bhai! He left too soon. Yet we are grateful for the times he gave us and what he left behind in the form of his art. Goodbye and Thank you.#ZakirHussain."
Ustad Zakir Hussain will always be remembered for his incredible legacy as a musician for generations.
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