Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passes away at 73
San Francisco: Famous tabla maestro and composer Zakir Hussain passed away on Sunday, at the age of 73.
Earlier in the day, Hussain was rushed to a hospital in the United States, where he was admitted to the ICU in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, he took his last breath.
According to Hussain’s manager, Nirmala Bachani, the renowned tabla virtuoso had been battling blood pressure problems and had been in the hospital for the past two weeks. Over his illustrious six-decade career, Hussain won five Grammy Awards, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year.
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Zakir Hussain in critical condition; Family issues clarification after reports of his demise
San Francisco: Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, renowned for his extraordinary talent, is in critical condition at a hospital in the United States due to severe heart-related ailments. His manager, Nirmala Bachani, confirmed his hospitalisation in San Francisco.
Amidst widespread reports of his demise, Hussain's family issued a clarification, stating that he is alive but critically ill. "He is still breathing, but very critical. Please pray for him," said his sister, Khurshid Aulia.
Earlier, several Union Ministers and Chief Ministers mistakenly paid tributes to the legendary percussionist on X (formerly Twitter). The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting also had to delete its condolence post after the clarification. Hussain’s nephew, Ameer Aulia, also appealed on X, urging people to avoid spreading misinformation and to pray for his recovery.
Born in Bombay as the eldest son of legendary tabla player Ustad Allah Rakha, Zakir Hussain began his illustrious career at the age of 13. Over the decades, he collaborated with global icons, blending Indian classical music with jazz through pioneering projects like Shakti in 1973.
The Padma Vibhushan awardee has enthralled audiences worldwide with his virtuosity and innovative artistry, earning a place among India’s most celebrated classical musicians.
