"We Planned An Album Together": AR Rahman Reflects On Missed Opportunity With Zakir Hussain

The passing of legendary tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain has left the entire nation in shock and grief. People from all walks of life are mourning his untimely demise and extending heartfelt condolences to his family.

Renowned music composer AR Rahman also paid a heartfelt tribute to the maestro. On Monday, Rahman shared a series of pictures with Ustad Zakir Hussain on Instagram, accompanied by flower and prayer emojis as a mark of respect and sorrow.

Earlier in the day, Rahman took to his X account to express his deep sense of loss and admiration for the tabla virtuoso. Reflecting on Zakir Hussain’s profound impact on the world of music, Rahman described his passing as an "immeasurable loss" and shared how the maestro had inspired countless people across the globe.

“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. Zakir Bhai was an inspiration, a towering personality who elevated the tabla to global acclaim. His loss is immeasurable for all of us,” Rahman wrote.

He further revealed his regret over not collaborating more with Hussain in recent years. “I regret not being able to collaborate with him as much as we did decades ago, though we had planned an album together. You shall be truly missed. May his family and his countless students worldwide find the strength to bear this immense loss #ZakirHussain,” Rahman added.

Ustad Zakir Hussain, who had been battling idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis—a chronic lung disease—was a monumental figure in Indian classical music and one of the world’s most celebrated percussionists.

He passed away in San Francisco at the age of 73, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that transcended genres and borders. His death was confirmed by Jon Bleicher of Prospect PR, who issued a statement on behalf of the family.

Zakir Hussain’s unparalleled contributions to music will forever remain etched in the hearts of his admirers and the global music community.