Zakir Hussain Death: Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain is in critical condition and admitted in ICU at a US hospital, his family has confirmed to ABP News amid reports of his death.
“He is critical. He is still alive," Zakir Hussain's sister Khurshid Aulia told ABP News dismissing reports of the demise of the tabla maestro.
Khurshid said that her daughter, who is currently in the hospital in San Francisco, have conveyed that Zakir Hussain is alive, while adding that his condition is critical.
The clarification from Khursheed comes amid reports of the demise of the table maestro broke late Sunday evening. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) condoled the "passing away" of Hussain.
"The world has lost a true musical genius. Zakir Hussain's contributions to the world of music will forever be cherished," the MIB said in a post on X. The post has now deleted the social media post.
Meanwhile, BJP MP Anurag Thakur, Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and UP CM Yogi Adtiyanath posted their condolences shortly after the news spread of his "demise."
Zakir Hussina has been admitted to the ICU of a San Francisco hospital prior to his demise, as confirmed by his close friend and flautist, Rakesh Chaurasia. Legendary tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain was admitted to a hospital in San Francisco, USA, following complications related to a heart condition.
The maestro has been battling heart issues for several years and underwent a stent procedure nearly two years ago due to a blockage.
All About Zakir Hussain
Zakir Hussain, son of the late legendary tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha Khan, had been a prominent figure in both Indian and international music. Starting his journey with the tabla at the age of seven, he began performing across India by the time he was 12. Over the years, he has left an indelible mark with his contributions to Indian classical music and world music.
He composed and performed for numerous acclaimed Indian and international films, enhancing their music with his unparalleled tabla skills. About four decades ago, Zakir Hussain relocated to San Francisco with his family, where he continued to live and contribute to the global music scene.
Zakir Hussain received numerous national and international accolades during his illustrious career. The Government of India honoured him with prestigious civilian awards, including the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023. In 1990, he was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the highest honour in Indian music.
Globally, his collaborative musical project, Global Drum Project, won the Grammy Award in the Contemporary World Music Album category at the 51st Grammy Awards in 2009. Zakir Hussain had been nominated for the Grammy Awards seven times, winning four of them.
Known for his extraordinary talent and dedication, Zakir Hussain had been a beacon in the world of music, inspiring generations of musicians and music enthusiasts.