Ustad Zakir Hussain, legendary tabla player, dies at 73

Ustad Zakir Hussain, a renowned tabla player, has died at the age of 73. He was celebrated for elevating the tabla from a mere accompaniment to a respected art form over his six-decade career. His joyful persona and music left a lasting impact. Hussain became widely recognized through a popular 1990s advertisement for Brooke Bond Taj Mahal tea. Initially, the brand featured other celebrities, but by the 1980s, it sought a new image that resonated with a broader audience, leading to Hussain's selection as the face of the campaign. In his early career, Hussain faced challenges, including financial struggles and societal perceptions of music as a profession. Despite these obstacles, he played a key role in transforming the tabla's status in Indian classical music, gaining recognition and respect for the instrument.