Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. What is this lung condition?

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a severe, long-term condition that gradually makes breathing more difficult.

Tabla maestro, four-time Grammy Award winner, and Padma Vibhushan awardee Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away in San Francisco at the age of 73 on December 15, 2024, leaving a significant void in the world of classical music. His family, in a statement, confirmed that he died from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Ustad Zakir Hussain was a legendary Indian tabla virtuoso, composer, and one of the most renowned percussionists in the world. Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, India, he was the son of the famous tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha. Zakir Hussain is known for his exceptional skill and innovation in playing the tabla, a traditional Indian percussion instrument, and for his contributions to classical, jazz, and fusion music.

He was a four-time Grammy Award winner and received the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian classical music. Over his career, Zakir Hussain collaborated with many world-renowned musicians, both in classical Indian music and in various international genres. He was instrumental in popularizing Indian classical music worldwide and was known for his rhythmic creativity and mastery in both solo and collaborative performances.

Ustad Zakir Hussain’s legacy is marked by his profound influence on music, his innovative fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds, and his dedication to his craft.

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