Ustad Zakir Hussain, legendary tabla player, dies at 73

Ustad Zakir Hussain, a renowned tabla player, has died from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. His passing has prompted widespread tributes from musicians and public figures, including Sudha Murty, who highlighted his role in popularizing the tabla in the West. Hussain's career spanned nearly six decades, transforming the tabla into a prominent instrument in global music. He collaborated with many legendary artists and was a key figure in fusion music, earning multiple awards, including four Grammys. Born in 1951 in Mumbai, Hussain was the son of tabla master Ustad Alla Rakha. His contributions to music earned him prestigious honors, including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan from the Indian government.