On December 15, reports of the passing of Ustad Zakir Hussain, the legendary Indian tabla virtuoso, began circulating widely across global media outlets around 9 PM. However, a sigh of relief followed as it was later confirmed that Zakir Hussain is still alive.
According to his manager, Nirmala Bachani, who spoke to Zee News, Zakir Hussain is currently admitted to the ICU of a hospital in San Francisco. He is battling a critical heart condition, and his health remains in a fragile state.
The maestro’s family has requested prayers from everyone during this difficult time.
Following the rumors of his demise, his sister, Khurshid, clarified to PTI that while Zakir Hussain is in a critical condition, he is still alive.
She stated, “My brother is very unwell. We ask his fans in India and around the world to pray for his recovery. But please, do not rush to declare him dead.”
She also urged the media to refrain from spreading misinformation about his condition. Khurshid said, “I appeal to the media not to share false reports regarding Zakir’s death. He is still alive and fighting. Seeing such misinformation on Facebook is deeply upsetting.”
About Ustad Zakir Hussain
Born in 1953 in Mumbai, Ustad Zakir Hussain is the son of the legendary tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha Khan. Following in his father’s footsteps, Zakir Hussain carved a niche for himself in Indian classical music, earning international acclaim.
Widely regarded as a pioneer of modern tabla playing, his career spans various genres, blending Indian classical music with global influences. A trailblazer in fusion music, Zakir Hussain skillfully combined Indian and Western melodies, captivating audiences worldwide.
Through his remarkable artistry, Zakir Hussain has left an indelible mark on the hearts of music lovers and inspired fresh perspectives in the world of music.
His family and fans worldwide continue to pray for his recovery.