SANFRANCISCO: Ustad Zakir Hussain, who created a magical universe in Tabla passed away while undergoing treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in a hospital in San Francisco, USA. He was 73.

We have lost a giant who carved a place for himself in tabla among Indian musical talents. He has been nominated for Grammy Awards seven times and has won them four times. He received three Grammy Awards in February this year.

Ustad played a major role in making the Indian musical instrument tabla popular with the Western world. His full name is Zakir Hussain Allah Rakha Qureshi. He was born on March 9, 1951 in Mumbai to tabla master Ustad Allah Rakha Khan. He was educated at St Michael's High School and St. Xavier's College. He first started playing the tabla independently at the age of 12. At the age of 18, he played the tabla with Pandit Ravi Shankar in a programme.

For his contributions to the world of music, the country honored him with the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023. Although the news of his passing spread last night, the family had clarified that he is not dead. His relatives said that he continues in a critical condition and had asked everyone to pray.

The news of Zakir's death was reported by the country's national media. Maharashtra state government and many prominent art, cultural, and political leaders of the country had come forward to pay tributes to him.

Regarded as the greatest tabla player of his generation, Hussain is survived by his wife Antonia Minnecola and their daughters-- Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.

The family said in its statement, "He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come."

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called the percussionist "a beacon of India's rich musical heritage and a true custodian of classical traditions".

"Ustad Zakir Hussain was instrumental in popularising Indian music across the globe, serving as a beacon of India's rich musical heritage. A true custodian of classical traditions, his contributions to the arts remain unparalleled. His passing is a monumental loss to culture and humanity. Heartfelt condolences to his loved ones," Vijayan said.