Fans and admirers of the legendary tabla maestro and composer Ustad Zakir Hussain are deeply concerned after hearing that he has been hospitalized due to serious health issues. The 73-year-old musician, who is the son of the famous tabla virtuoso Ustad Allah Rakha, is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in San Francisco, USA.
Journalist Pervaiz Alam shared the news on Twitter on Sunday, December 15, revealing that Ayub Aulia, Zakir Hussain’s brother-in-law, had confirmed the hospitalization via phone. “Ustad Zakir Hussain, a former actor, percussionist, composer, and tabla player, and the son of the legendary tabla player Ustad Allah Rakha, is unwell,” Alam tweeted. He mentioned that Zakir was receiving treatment for serious health issues at a hospital in San Francisco, USA. Aulia Sahab has urged Zakir’s fans to pray for his swift recovery.
Zakir Hussain, a globally acclaimed tabla virtuoso, is celebrated for his exceptional talent and groundbreaking contributions to both Indian classical and world music. He began his performing career as a child prodigy at just seven years old. Born in 1951 to the esteemed Ustad Allah Rakha, Zakir’s creativity and skill have elevated the tabla to unprecedented levels of international recognition.
He has been recognized with several prestigious awards for his dedication to showcasing the richness of Indian music globally, including the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album, the Padma Bhushan, and the Padma Shri.
The Indian government honored Hussain with the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023. He has received seven Grammy Award nominations and has won four. Hussain has collaborated with numerous legendary musicians, including The Beatles, John McLaughlin, Hariprasad Chaurasia, and Ravi Shankar. He was born to the renowned tabla maestro Alla Rakha and Bavi Begum.