The doyen of Indian and world classical music, Ustad Zakir Hussain, passed away at a hospital in America on Sunday. The tabla legend was 73. He reportedly breathed his last while undergoing treatment for serious heart-related complications.

Son of tabla exponent Ustad Alla Rakha Khan, Zakir Hussain began his musical journey when he was 7 years old. He attained global acclaim for his wizardry and contribution to Indian classical music. In an illustrious career that spanned over 6 decades, Zakir Hussain has composed and performed for numerous acclaimed Indian and foreign movies, apart from countless chartbuster albums in collaboration with several national and international musical legends.

Ustad Zakir Hussain was honored with numerous national and international awards, including the coveted Padma Shri in 1988, Padma Bhushan in 2002, and Padma Vibhushan in 2023. He was also honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, India’s highest honor in the field of music, in 1990. Several national and international personalities extended heartfelt condolences on the passing of the tabla maestro.