India, December 17 (HBTV): Zakir Hussain, one of the most celebrated tabla virtuosos of all time, passed away at the age of 73 in San Francisco due to complications arising from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

 The news of his death, confirmed by his family on Monday, has sent waves of grief across the global music community. His family’s statement highlighted his extraordinary legacy, stating, “He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come.” 

The 73-year-old US-based musician, had reportedly been having blood pressure issues, Hussain's manager Nirmala Bachani said in a statement. "He has been admitted to a hospital in San Francisco for a heart-related problem for the last two weeks," Bachani said.  

Zakir Hussain collaborated with nearly all of India’s iconic performers, including legends such as Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, and Shivkumar Sharma. His groundbreaking partnerships with Western artists like Yo-Yo Ma, Charles Lloyd, Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Mickey Hart, George Harrison, and John McLaughlin introduced Indian classical music to global audiences, cementing his status as a true cultural ambassador. 

(Inputs from Times of India)