12/15/2025
ā¢ā¢ Remembering Legendary Tabla Maestro Padma Vibhushan Ustad Zakir Hussain on his 1st Death Anniversary (9 March 1951 - 15 December 2024) ā¢ā¢
We don't think he needs any introduction. Undoubtly, one of the best Tabla player of this generation. But, a short summary on his life and illustrious musical career;
Ustad Zakir Hussain is the son of the renowned Tabla Maestro Ustad Allarakha Qureshi. He was born on 9th March 1951 and showed much interest in Tabla since a very young age. This child prodigy started touring by the time he was 12 and started to perform at concerts and gain much recognition and fame. He went to St. Michael's High School in Mahim and did his graduation from St. Xavier's Mumbai. In his twenties, he started to tour the United States frequently and performed in not less than 150 concerts per year.
Ustad Zakir Hussain has had the opportunity to perform with many talented musicians not just in India but also all over the world. He became a famous international phenomenon. He has composed for many English movies like Apocalypse Now, In Custody, Little Buddha, The Mystic Masseur, Heat and Dust, etc. Zakir Hussain also acted in a brilliant documentary named "The Speaking Hand: Zakir Hussain and the Art of the Indian Drum" that was released in the year 2003. But it was not released on DVD due to lack of audience response. He also composed, performed and provided his valuable advice for Vanaprastham, which was screened at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
Zakir has performed with many artists and has created brilliant works of fusion. His partnership with the famous band The Beatles truly deserves a special mention. He also recorded with the American psychedelic band called "Shanti" in the year 1971. In 1975, he worked with John McLaughlin in the band "Shakti". This band had John McLaughlin, Zakir Hussain, L. Shankar, T.H. "Vikku" Vinayakram and R. Raghavan. It was disbanded by late 70's. However, the band was reunited a few years later by the name of Remember Shakti with some new members. The new band has released many albums like Saturday Night in Bombay, The Believer and 38th Montreux Jazz Festival.
Zakir Hussain also released his first solo album "Making Music" in the year 1987, which was proclaimed to be one of the most inspired East-West fusion albums ever.
He was awarded the "Padma Shree" by the Government in the year 1988, thus making him the youngest percussionist to ever receive this award. He also received the "Padma Bhushan" in 2002. He received the "Padma Vibhushan" in the year 2023. Zakir Hussain has also received the National Heritage Fellowship (1999) which the most prestigious honor for a master in traditional arts in U.S. He has also been honored with Sangeet Natak Akademi Award by the President of India in the year 1991. He was also awarded the Grammy for the album "Planet Drum" which was produced and created by Zakir Hussain and Mickey Hart. He received 3 Grammy Awards in February 2024.
Zakir Hussain married an Italian-American Kathak Dancer, Antonia Minnecola. She earlier worked as his manager for some time. Zakir Hussain has two daughters Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.
Ustad Zakir Hussain has truly made his indelible mark in the field of music and has also acquired international acclaim. A true legend, his music shall continue to enthrall us for many more years to come.
Zakir Hussain passed away on 15th December 2024 in San Francisco, USA. He was ailing from heart related issues.
On his Death Anniversary, Hindustani Classical Music And Everything pay rich tributes to the Legend and are very grateful for his contributions to the Indian Classical Music. šš¼
