Zakir Hussain, the maestro of tabla, passed away on Monday, December 16, at a San Francisco hospital. Hussain had been suffering from 'idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis', a lung disease. He was 73.
The 4-time Grammy winner gave tabla a global platform and a new identity. The virtuoso played music across several genres and styles, collaborating with musicians in India and internationally.
Zakir Hussain's legacy goes beyond his work as a tabla player. He also composed music for several movies, including Nawazuddin Siddiqui starrer Manto (2018), Aparna Sen's Mr and Mrs Iyer (2002) and Parzania (2005). He even composed music for the critically acclaimed Vanaprastham, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.
The percussionist also contributed to the soundtrack for the acclaimed film In Custody (1993), which he composed alongside Sultan Khan. The film focussed on the preservation of classical Indian music.
Zakir Hussain's last contribution to films was for Dev Patel's The Monkey Man (2024) for songs including The Tree, Training, Get Up, and Snake and a Monkey.
Zakir Hussain also contributed to the world of acting. He made his acting debut in 1989 British drama Heat and Dust. He not only acted in it but also composed the soundtrack. He has also acted in and contributed to soundtracks for films such as Little Buddha (1993), and Apocalypse Now (1979).
Hussain was also part of The Perfect Murder and Saaz where he starred opposite Shabana Azmi. He composed the iconic track Kya Tumne Hai Keh Diya for Saaz. He also composed another track, Phir Bhor Bhayee.
Zakir Hussain is survived by his wife Antonia Minnecola and two daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.
