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Falu, Anoushka Shankar pay tribute to Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain
Hussain, a trailblazer in Indian classical and world music, leaves behind an unmatched legacy celebrated globally.
Falu/ Zakir Hussain/ Anoushka Shankar / Image- Instagram/ Wikipedia
Indian-origin artists Falguni Shah and Anoushka Shankar have expressed grief at the passing of tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, who died at 73 in San Francisco due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis on Dec.16.
Hussain, a trailblazer in Indian classical and world music, leaves behind an unmatched legacy celebrated globally.
Falguni Shah, popularly known as Falu, hailed Hussain as an enduring inspiration. Sharing her condolences on Instagram, the Grammy-winning Indian American singer said, “Immensely sad to hear the passing of legendary Ustad Zakir Hussain. This legendary and inspirational musician… has left a huge legacy behind.”
Falu recounted the magical collaborations between Hussain and her guru (teacher), Ustad Sultan Khan, calling their performances “transcendental.” She extended her sympathies to Hussain’s wife, Antonia Minnecola, and his family, writing, “May his soul rest in peace and his light shine forever in our hearts.”
British Indian sitarist Anoushka Shankar, daughter of the iconic music composer Ravi Shankar, described Hussain as an uncle and penned an emotional tribute.
“He was like an uncle, he was an idol,” she wrote. Shankar reflected on Hussain’s role in her musical development, recalling how his advice and focus helped her overcome stage fright at a pivotal teenage performance.
“He was utterly unique in the world of music. There are no words for this loss,” she said. Shankar shared memories of their shared stage moments, calling his presence both reassuring and inspiring.
Hussain’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian classical music. A prolific artist, he collaborated with global icons such as George Harrison, John McLaughlin, and Yo-Yo Ma, bringing Indian rhythms to international stages. His artistry inspired countless musicians, including the next generation of Indian-origin artists who credit him with shaping their creative journeys.
Hussain is survived by his wife, daughters Anisa and Isabella Qureshi, brothers Taufiq and Fazal Qureshi, and sister Khurshid Aulia.
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