India's Zakir Hussain, the tabla maestro with 'dancing fingers', dies

MUMBAI: Zakir Hussain, whose "dancing fingers" made him one of the greatest players of the tabla or Indian drums and who became a major force in contemporary world music, has died.

Hussain, 73, died in a San Francisco hospital from complications of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis - a chronic lung disease, his family said in a statement.

A child prodigy, he was known for his dazzling solo performances and a raft of collaborative work with internationally renowned musicians such as George Harrison of the Beatles.

"He will be remembered as a true genius who revolutionized the world of Indian classical music. He also brought the tabla to the global stage, captivating millions with his unparalleled rhythm," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X.

He was nominated for seven Grammy awards, winning four including three this year, according to the Grammy website. He was also the recipient of India's highest honour for performing artists, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.

"What do I bring to the tabla? I think it is openness and clarity ... your musical statement must be created with as much clarity as possible," Hussain was quoted as saying in a 2018 biography.

The eldest son of legendary tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha, Hussain began his professional career at the age of 12 accompanying Indian classical musicians.

By 18, he was touring internationally and would go on to work with the likes of Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, jazz musician Herbie Hancock and virtuoso guitarist John McLaughlin.