Ustad Zakir Hussain admitted to ICU in San Francisco

Tabla player Ustad Zakir Hussain performing during a concert. file. , Photo courtesy: Sandeep Saxena

Tabla player Zakir Hussain has been admitted to the ICU of San Francisco Hospital after cardiac problems, his friend and flautist Rakesh Chaurasia said. PTI On Sunday (December 15, 2024).

Hussain’s manager Nirmala Bachani said that the 73-year-old American musician, who took the tabla to the global stage, was suffering from blood pressure problem. “He has been admitted to a hospital in San Francisco for the past two weeks due to a heart problem,” Ms. Bachani said.

However, news of Hussain’s ill health sparked an outpouring of condolences as unconfirmed reports of his demise surfaced on the internet. The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting posted a condolence message on Twitter, although it was later removed.

The chief ministers of Assam, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh were also among those who took to social media to express grief over the unconfirmed reports.

Hussain’s publicist confirmed this PTI That the percussionist is being treated in a San Francisco hospital and is “not dead”.

Hussain’s sister Khurshid told PTI Her brother is “very critical” but “breathing very well at the moment”.

“My brother is very ill at the moment. We are asking all his fans in India and around the world to pray for him, to pray for his health. But as India is by far the largest exporter, don’t kill it yet,” he said.

“I just want to request all media not to follow wrong information regarding Zakir’s demise. At this time his breathing is very fast. He is very serious, but he is still with us. He hasn’t gone yet. Therefore, I would request (the media) not to spread this rumor by writing or saying that he has passed away. I feel very bad seeing all this information on Facebook, which is very wrong.

The eldest son of renowned tabla player Allah Rakha, Hussain has followed in his father’s footsteps and become a renowned name in India and across the world. Hussain has received five Grammy Awards in his career, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year.

In his career spanning six decades, the composer has worked with many renowned international and Indian artists, but it was his 1973 musical project with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar and percussionist TH ‘Vikku’ Vinayakaram that pioneered Indian classical. Brought together music and elements. of jazz in a fusion that was unknown until now.

Also read: Zakir Hussain: ‘Student should motivate teacher to teach’

One of India’s most renowned classical musicians, the percussionist received the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.

(With PTI inputs)