Indian tabla maestro Zakir Hussain. ARCHIVE

Legendary Indian tabla maestro and Grammy award-winning artist Zakir Hussain, 73, is in critical condition at a San Francisco hospital, battling serious heart-related ailments. Reports of his death have been strongly refuted by his family and close associates. "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 exports, do not finish him off just yet," his sister, Khurshid Aulia, told Press Trust of India, urging the media to avoid spreading misinformation. "I feel so bad watching all this information on Facebook which is very wrong," she added. The false reports, which spread like wildfire across social media, led to premature tributes from several Indian dignitaries, including Union Ministers and Chief Ministers, who later deleted their posts. Hussain’s family and manager Nirmala Bachani have since confirmed his condition and called for prayers from his fans worldwide. Renowned flautist Rakesh Chaurasia, a close friend, expressed concern for Hussain’s health. “He is unwell and admitted to the ICU right now. We all are worried about the situation,” Chaurasia said. Meanwhile, Hussain’s nephew, Ameer Aulia, posted on social media platform X: “I am Zakir Hussain’s nephew, and he has not passed away. We ask for prayers for my uncle’s health. Please remove this misinformation.” Born in Mumbai as the eldest son of tabla legend Ustad Allah Rakha, Zakir Hussain’s journey in music began early, showcasing unparalleled talent from a young age. By 13, he was performing solo concerts, a milestone that hinted at his future as one of India’s most celebrated musical exports. His fusion of Indian classical music with global genres has earned him accolades, including Grammy Awards and global recognition. Describing Hussain’s artistry, The New York Times once wrote, “Zakir Hussain, the peerless North Indian tabla player, favors an impish strain of virtuosity... a fearsome technician but also a whimsical inventor.” His career includes collaborations with world-renowned musicians and performances at iconic venues such as Carnegie Hall. Fans and peers have flooded social media with messages of support and hope. “Praying for Zakir Ji’s speedy recovery. The world still needs his music,” tweeted Indian composer AR Rahman. The family has requested privacy as Hussain continues to receive intensive care. The Indian government’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which initially posted a tribute on X, has since retracted it, echoing the family’s plea for caution in reporting. For now, the global music community holds its breath, praying for the recovery of one of India’s finest cultural ambassadors. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page