Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain dies at 73 sparking tributes from Bollywood stars
Ustad Zakir Hussain, the renowned tabla maestro, passed away at 73 on December 15 due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He had been hospitalized in San Francisco for heart-related issues prior to his death. His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the music and film industries. Celebrities, including director Madhur Bhandarkar and musician Ricky Kej, expressed their condolences and highlighted his significant contributions to Indian classical music and global fusion. Born in 1951, Zakir Hussain was the son of tabla master Ustad Alla Rakha. He gained fame early in his career and collaborated with many legendary musicians, helping to elevate Indian music on the world stage.