Ustad Zakir Hussain, the celebrated Indian tabla virtuoso and recipient of the Padma Vibhushan award, died in San Francisco, the Indian media reported on Sunday.

He had been undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit of a local hospital for heart-related issues.

As the son of the legendary tabla maestro Ustad Allah Rakha, Hussain built a remarkable global legacy, earning recognition as one of India’s most esteemed musicians.

He made headlines by winning three awards at the 66th Grammy Awards, including the prestigious ‘Best Global Music Performance’ for his work on Pashto.

The news of his passing comes shortly after Hussain, alongside other acclaimed musicians including Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Rakesh Chaurasia, announced their upcoming ‘As We Speak’ India tour.

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Scheduled for January 2025, this multi-city tour was poised to showcase a unique blend of global musical influences, featuring a collaboration of four Grammy-winning artists who collectively hold an impressive 31 Grammy awards, including two for their recent album, As We Speak.

The tour, organised by Perfect Harmony Productions in partnership with Panache Media, was set to include performances in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi, showcasing a rich and diverse musical repertoire aimed at captivating audiences.