Tabla legend Zakir Hussain dies at age of 73

Zakir Hussain, the tabla maestro who was suffering from heart-related issues, passed away today.

According to his manager, Nirmala Bachani, he breathed his last at the US hospital. He was aged 73. 

Tributes started pouring in shortly after the news of his death broke out.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi paid rich tribute as he said the tabla player will "remain alive in our memories".

Zakir Hussain, the son of renowned tabla player Allah Rakha, carried on his family's legacy and established himself as a prominent figure in India.

Over a career lasting six decades, the musician collaborated with numerous acclaimed international and Indian artists. 

However, it was his 1973 musical project with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar, and percussionist T. H. 'Vikku' Vinayakram that fused Indian classical music with elements of jazz in a groundbreaking manner. This collaboration introduced a new genre of music that was unprecedented at the time.

The percussionist was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.