Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain
Credit: DH Photo
A legend who was India's very own and yet belonged to the world -- tabla maestro Zakir Hussain -- died on December 15 from a lung disease 'idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis' in a hospital in San Francisco at the age of 73.
He was born to legendary tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha on March 9, 1951, in Maharashtra's Mumbai and was the eldest among all his siblings.
Hussain completed his primary education from St Michael's High School in Mahim and later graduated from St Xavier's College in Mumbai.
He performed his first concert at the age of 7 and began touring at 12. Later he moved to the United States in 1970.
According to reports, Hussain has and owns a net worth of Rs 8 crore ($1million). He used to charge Rs 5-10 lakh for his concerts.
He was the first Indian to have received three Grammys for Best Global Music Album, Best Global Music Performance and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.
At the 2024 Grammys, Hussain earned his first honour for best global music album for This Moment as part of the fusion music group Shakti.
Apart from four Grammys, Hussain was the recipient of countless awards and honours, including Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the USA's National Heritage Fellowship and Officier in France's Order of Arts and Letters.
In 1988, Hussain became a household name as the face of the Taj Mahal Tea brand.
In a 33-second TV commercial, he was shown immersed in his tabla riyaaz, only to later sip on a cup of Taj tea. The voiceover, by the famous Harish Bhimani, would then compliment Hussain's skills saying, "Wah Ustad, Wah!".
As his countless fans bid farewell to the artiste who transcended boundaries, of music and of geography, and went too soon, many could only say – “Wah Ustad”.
He is survived by his wife Antonia Minnecola and two daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.