Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain Reportedly Critically Ill in Hospital; Family Requests Prayers

New York, Dec 16 (NationPress) Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain is currently facing a serious health condition in a hospital located in San Francisco, as stated by his family, who have requested prayers for the renowned music virtuoso.

His nephew, Ameer Aulia, shared on platform X on Sunday afternoon, "We are seeking prayers for my Uncle's recovery."

"He is in a critical state and we appeal to all his fans worldwide to pray for his well-being," he added.

Earlier, rumors of Hussain's death circulated after he was hospitalized in San Francisco, causing shockwaves in the music community and distress among his fans.

Aulia urged the media to retract any reports claiming his uncle had passed away.

He stated, "My uncle Zakir Hussain is very much alive, and we kindly ask the news outlets to refrain from spreading misinformation."

Journalist Pervaiz Alam reported on X that he had spoken to Hussain's family, who confirmed that he is receiving treatment at a San Francisco hospital.

He noted that Hussain "is being treated for severe health issues in a San Francisco hospital," as informed by his brother-in-law, Ayub Aulia, during a phone conversation with him.

Alam, a former BBC journalist, mentioned that Aulia sahab, who resides in London, has called for Zakir's supporters to pray for his swift recovery.

Rumors of the 73-year-old Hussain's death sent shockwaves through the music industry, prompting heartfelt tributes from his fans celebrating his musical legacy.

Adding to the confusion, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting initially posted, "The world has lost a true musical genius," but quickly removed the statement.

Numerous public figures, including ministers, chief ministers, and politicians like Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, as well as industrialists and entertainment personalities, expressed their condolences on X, while grieving fans honored his musical brilliance.

Ameer Aulia further expressed, "There is no death certificate, yet the media insensitively reports that my Uncle has passed away. Please show this great man more respect. Remember all the wonderful contributions he made for India, please."

He also shared an undated image of his mother with the maestro.

Hussain is the eldest son of the legendary tabla player Alla Rakha.

He has successfully traversed various musical genres while retaining his mastery of Hindustani music.

His collaborations include notable figures such as George Harrison, a former member of the legendary Beatles, and Micky Hart of the Grateful Dead.

Hussain has also composed soundtracks for numerous films, including Ismail Merchant's "Mystic Masseur," and played tabla for the soundtracks of Francis Coppola's "Apocalypse Now" and Bernardo Bertolucci's "Little Buddha."

In 2016, former President Barack Obama invited him to perform at the International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert at the White House.

Last year, India honored him with the Padma Vibhushan, and he has received four Grammy Awards, three of which were awarded this year.

According to StubHub, an online ticket vendor, Hussain is expected to perform 14 concerts across the US starting in March, including a performance in Denver.

One of these concerts is scheduled to take place at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington in April.