Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain dies in San Francisco at 73
Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain has passed away in San Francisco due to complications from pulmonary fibrosis. He was known for his unique upbringing, where his father, Alla Rakha, welcomed him with tabla rhythms instead of traditional prayers. Zakir Hussain shared that his father held him and recited tabla rhythms into his ear, which led to a memorable family moment. This approach reflected Alla Rakha's deep connection to music, despite being a devout Muslim. Born in Mumbai in 1951, Zakir Hussain received several prestigious awards, including the Padma Vibhushan in 2023. He was celebrated for his contributions to music and his collaborations with legendary artists.