legendary-tabla-maestro-zakir-hussain-passes-at-73

Legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain is battling for his life in a San Francisco hospital. Admitted to the intensive care unit with heart-related complications, the 73-year-old musician is in a critical condition, confirmed his sister Khursheed on Sunday.

As rumours of his death circulated, his publicist and manager both clarified that the virtuoso percussionist is still alive.

“He has been admitted to a hospital in San Francisco for a heart-related problem for the last two weeks,” said his manager, Nirmala Bachani, adding that Hussain had also been experiencing blood pressure-related issues.

Khursheed appealed for prayers for her brother, saying, “My brother is deeply ill at this time. We are asking for all his fans around India and around the world to pray for him, to pray for his health. But as India's greatest ever export, do not finish him off just yet.”

She further urged the media to refrain from spreading misinformation. "I just want to request all the media not to follow wrong information about Zakir's passing.

He is very much breathing at the moment. He is very very critical, but he's still with us. He has not yet gone. So, I will request (the media) not to spread this rumour by writing or saying that he has passed away. I feel so bad watching all this information on Facebook which is very wrong," she added.

Earlier, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting mistakenly posted a tribute to the legendary musician on the social media platform X, referring to him as a “true musical genius”. The post was subsequently deleted.

 

The tweet (screenshot attached) is being deleted as the original tweet by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has been deleted. An update or official confirmation from family, hospital or the consulate in San Fransisco (where there are reports he is undergoing health… pic.twitter.com/tgYImopnew

— ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2024

 

Flute virtuoso Rakesh Chaurasia, a close friend of Hussain, expressed his concern and described the distressing situation.

 

The tabla maestro, who has earned global acclaim and numerous accolades for his contributions to Indian classical music, is regarded as one of India’s most celebrated cultural ambassadors.

 

Hussain’s Shakti band members, including Shankar Mahadevan and V Selvaganesh, had earlier rejoiced in the ensemble’s Grammy win for Best Global Album.

 

However, news of his critical condition has left the music fraternity and his admirers worldwide praying for his recovery.