How did Zakir Hussain die; what is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?

IPF is a chronic disease that affects the air sacks present in the lungs and develops when the lung tissue thickens and becomes stiff for unknown reasons, leading to the risk of permanent scarring in the lungs over time—fibrosis—making breathing difficult.

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away at a hospital in San Francisco, his family said on Monday.

As per reports, Hussain died due to complications arising out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the family said in a statement. He was 73.

He had been hospitalised for the last two weeks and was later taken to the ICU after his condition deteriorated.

What is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?

IPF is a chronic disease that affects the tissue around the air sacks present in the lungs and develops when the lung tissue thickens and becomes stiff for unknown reasons, leading to the risk of permanent scarring in the lungs over time—fibrosis—making breathing difficult.

Some of the most common symptoms of IPF include shortness of breath and cough. While there is no known treatment of IPF, there are some treatments that help delay the progression of the disease and assist in better functioning of the lungs, hence, aiding in increasing lifespan of those suffering from the disease.

Hussain, who is regarded as the greatest tabla player of his generation, is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola and his daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi. Born on March 9, 1951, he is the son of legendary tabla master Ustad Alla Rakha.

In his career spanning six decades, the musician worked with several renowned international and Indian artistes, but it was his 1973 musical project with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar, and percussionist T H 'Vikku' Vinayakram that brought together Indian classical and elements of jazz in a fusion hitherto unknown.

Hussain has received four Grammy Awards in his career, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year.

The percussionist, one of India's most celebrated classical musicians, received the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.

Messages of condolence poured in on social media as the news of Hussain's demise spread.

(With PTI inputs)