Ustad Zakir Hussain’s family shares first post after his death

Hussain’s family expressed their deepest condolences on his official Instagram account, the first post since his death. The heartfelt post featured a black and white photo of Zakir holding hands with his wife Antonia Minnicola and daughters Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi. The accompanying title, “Forever in Love,” encapsulates the deep bond the family shares and serves as a reminder of the love and unity that defined Hussein’s personal and professional life. The post struck a chord with fans, who took to the comments section to pay tribute to the tabla master. One user wrote: “Ustad ji, your legacy will continue to be passed on for generations!” Another commented: “RIP Master, your teachings and rhythms will always guide us.”

Zakir Hussain’s death was due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a rare lung disease that causes progressive scarring of the lungs, making breathing increasingly difficult . His death marked the end of an era, but his legacy lives on through the music and rhythms he created during his extraordinary career.

Zakir was born into a family with a rich musical tradition, the son of legendary tabla player Alla Rakha, best known for her marriage to Ravi Shankar Known for his collaborations and contributions to Indian classical music. Zakir Hussain has carried on this legacy brilliantly, not only as a tabla maestro but also as a composer and global ambassador of Indian music. His unique ability to blend traditional Indian rhythms with global influences has allowed him to reach audiences around the world, making him one of the most respected and influential musicians of his generation.

His music serves as a bridge between different cultures as he collaborates with artists from different genres, including jazz, world music and Western classical music. His collaborations with musicians such as John McLaughlin, George Harrison and the Grateful Dead were revolutionary, introducing Indian classical music to a wider and more diverse audience.

Hussein’s final rites were held at the San Francisco Cemetery, where family, friends and fellow musicians gathered to pay their respects. While he may no longer be around, his rhythms will forever resonate in the hearts of those who were touched by his art. Zakir Hussain’s music, his mastery of the tabla and his dedication to his craft have left an indelible mark on the world, ensuring that his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.