Ustad Zakir Hussain is no more. Tabla maestro's recent instagram post gives a glimpse of wonderful nature in his voice

Legendary tabla virtuoso Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away on Monday in a hospital in San Francisco. The 73-year-old maestro succumbed to complications caused by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a rare and serious lung condition. His departure marks the end of an era in the world of Indian classical music.

In wake of his demise, the icon's last Instagram post has gone viral. In the post, Hussain shared a heartfelt video of a serene street in Champaign, Illinois, where trees swayed gracefully in the wind. Accompanying the video, he narrated in his soothing voice: “Trees changing colours, gently swaying in the wind, so beautiful to watch. The movement is so graceful, so unbelievable. I wanna walk out here in Champaign, Illinois.” The post reflects Zakir Hussain’s deep connection to nature and his appreciation for life’s simple pleasures


Born in Mumbai as the eldest son of tabla legend Ustad Alla Rakha, Zakir Hussain soon made his own mark in the world of music. Starting his musical journey at the age of 13, he confidently stepped into his father’s legacy, soon becoming a renowned figure in both Indian classical and global music scenes. Over six decades, he captivated audiences worldwide with his exceptional skill and innovative approach to tabla.

Zakir Hussain’s Collaborations

Hussain’s groundbreaking collaborations include the 1973 project Shakti, where he joined forces with international artists like guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L. Shankar, and percussionist T.H. "Vikku" Vinayakram to fuse Indian classical music with jazz, marking a revolutionary step in world music. His collaborations with icons like The Beatles, Ravi Shankar, and Hariprasad Chaurasia further showcased his ability to bridge diverse musical traditions and elevate Indian music to global prominence.

Zakir Hussain’s Awards and Recognition

Zakir Hussain’s monumental contribution to music has been honored with several prestigious accolades, including the Padma Shri (1988), Padma Bhushan (2002), and Padma Vibhushan (2023). He has also beenalso a recipient of five Grammy Awards, with his latest win at the 66th edition of the Grammy Awards earlier this year, reinforcing his status as one of the most celebrated Indian musicians worldwide.

Hussain’s performances were celebrated for their virtuosity and creativity. As The New York Times once described him, “Zakir Hussain, the peerless North Indian tabla player, favors an impish strain of virtuosity. He’s a fearsome technician but also a whimsical inventor, devoted to exuberant play.”