AR Rahman Regrets Not Collaborating With Zakir Hussain, Expresses Grief On His Death

AR Rahman remembers Zakit Hussian; and mentions he regrets they couldn`t collaborate.

Mumbai: The music world is mourning the loss of legendary tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, who passed away in San Francisco after battling idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease. His death has left an irreplaceable void in the world of Indian classical music.

Among the many tributes pouring in, celebrated music composer AR Rahman took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his grief and regret over not collaborating with Zakir Hussain as much as he had hoped.

Ustad Zakir Hussain was a pioneer in Indian classical music, seamlessly blending traditional tabla rhythms with global music genres. His contributions to both Indian and world music were unparalleled. Known for his collaborations with international musicians like George Harrison, John McLaughlin, and Yo-Yo Ma, he redefined the role of Indian percussion on a global stage.

The maestro’s passing was confirmed by Jon Bleicher of Prospect PR, speaking on behalf of his family. Zakir Hussain had been battling his illness privately, and his death has left the music world in shock.

Zakir Hussain’s career spanned over five decades, during which he earned accolades such as the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan for his unparalleled contributions to music. He was not only a virtuoso performer but also a mentor to countless students across the globe, inspiring generations of musicians.