Zakir Hussain Laid To Rest In San Francisco, Drummer Sivamani Pays Musical Tribute To The Maestro

Zakir Hussain, one of the world's greatest tabla players, died of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (a lung disease), on December 16, at a hospital in San Francisco, United States. The Indian classical music icon was laid to rest on Thursday, December 19, in San Francisco, reported PTI.

Several musicians attended Zakir Hussain's funeral. Drummer Anandan Sivamani, along with some musicians, paid a musical tribute to the table maestro.

Sivamani told PTI Video, "Rhythm is God, that is you Zakir bhai. I learned a lot in our journey from 1982 till now. Every moment you are here with us in the rhythm. Every time I hit the rhythm, you are there. We love you Zakir Bhai. Have a lovely journey. Please give my pranam to all the masters."

Zakir Hussain is survived by his wife Antonia Minnecola, and daughters Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.

His family, in a statement, said, ''He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come''. His sister Khurshid Aulia said that the legend died "very peacefully".

Born in Mumbai on March 9, 1951, Zakir Hussain was the eldest son of legendary tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha. He began training under his father and became a professional in Indian classical music at the age of 12. By the age of 18, he already started performing on international stages. By 19, he was playing more than 150 concerts a year- in India and internationally. Also, as a teenager, he got an opportunity to perform with Indian sitarist and composer Pandit Ravi Shankar.

Zakir Hussain's legacy goes beyond his work as a tabla player. He composed music for several movies and also acted in films.

The legendary percussionist has several awards to his credit. Hussain was a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. He also won four Grammy Awards in his six-decade career.