ADVERTISEMENTs
.png)
California mourns loss of Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain
Hussain lived in Marin County, California, where he collaborated with local musicians. He frequently performed at SFJazz, which honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
.png)
Joan Allekotte and the Sur Laya Sangam family performed a puja at the passing of Zakir Hussain. / Joan Allekotte and the Sur Laya Sangam family
The news of Zakir Hussain's demise spread across Silicon Valley's WhatsApp groups early Dec.15, Sunday morning, sending waves of grief through the global music community. The legendary tabla maestro, widely regarded as a cultural ambassador of India, passed away at 3:42 p.m. at UCSF Medical Center due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He was 73.
Hussain’s family, fans, and well-wishers clung to hope until the very end as confusion initially surrounded his health status, with reports of his death being refuted earlier in the day.
“I am Zakir Hussain’s nephew, and he has not passed away. We ask for prayers for my uncle’s health,” tweeted Aulia, Hussain’s nephew, giving fans a brief moment of relief. Seema Sarin, a resident of Los Altos Hills, California, echoed this optimism: “My friend reached out to his publicist. He is not dead. He is in the hospital.”
However, by evening, the reality of Hussain’s passing was confirmed. Family spokesperson Jon Bleicher announced that Hussain died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. The outpouring of grief was swift and widespread across Silicon Valley and beyond.
This post is for paying subscribers only
SUBSCRIBE NOWADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
.jpg)
Video
.png)
.JPG)
.png)
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login