Mumbai, India – Legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, a Grammy Award winning musician and one of India’s most revered cultural icons, passed away on Sunday night in San Francisco at the age of 73. His family confirmed that he had been hospitalised due to complications from a rare and progressive lung disease.

Born in Mumbai, India in 1951 to the celebrated tabla virtuoso ‘Ustad’ Alla Rakha, Hussain’s musical journey began at an early age. Over six decades, he redefined the boundaries of Indian classical music, earning international acclaim for his unparalleled mastery of the tabla and groundbreaking collaborations that bridged Eastern and Western musical traditions.

At the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year, Hussain won three Grammys, bringing his total to four—a testament to his enduring global influence. In a celebratory Instagram post following his wins, he wrote, “It was a great day for India at the Grammys, and I’m proud to be carrying the national flag.”

Hussain’s illustrious career featured collaborations with Indian legends such as sitar maestro Ravi Shankar and santoor virtuoso Shivkumar Sharma, as well as global icons like cellist Yo-Yo Ma, banjoist Bela Fleck, and Beatles guitarist George Harrison. His 1973 collaboration with John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar, and percussionist TH ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram created the iconic fusion band ‘Shakti’, which introduced a new genre that blended Indian classical music with jazz.

A recipient of India’s highest civilian honours—the Padma Shri (1988), Padma Bhushan (2002), and Padma Vibhushan (2023)—Hussain’s contributions transcended music, serving as a cultural bridge that brought Indian classical traditions to a global audience.

He is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, a Kathak dancer, and his daughters, Anisa and Isabella Qureshi. Hussain’s legacy, marked by innovation, collaboration, and cultural pride, will continue to inspire musicians and music lovers worldwide.