End of an Era: Ustad Zakir Hussain Passes Away at 73

For many Indians, the iconic “Wah Taj!” ad from the 1990s featuring Ustad Zakir Hussain remains a vivid memory—a snapshot of elegance, charm, and his unmatched charisma. Today, as news of his passing at the age of 73 sinks in, it’s not just his mastery of the tabla that the nation mourns but also the man who effortlessly bridged tradition with modernity.

Born into a family of musicians, Zakir Hussain was the son of legendary tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha. From a young age, his nimble fingers and rhythmic precision signaled the arrival of a prodigy. Over the decades, he carved a niche in Indian classical music and global fusion, earning accolades and admirers across the world. Zakir Hussain’s collaborations with global artists like John McLaughlin, George Harrison, and Bela Fleck expanded the reach of Indian classical music to a global audience. Yet, he never distanced himself from his roots, always returning to the tabla’s soul-stirring rhythms that defined his art.