Renowned Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain in Critical Condition

New Delhi: Esteemed tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain’s health is reported to be critical. His nephew, Amir Auliya, took to social media, urging everyone to pray for his recovery, writing, “Ustad Zakir Hussain ki salmati ki karen dua.” Currently, the maestro is undergoing treatment at a hospital in San Francisco, USA. A week ago, he was admitted due to severe health complications and remains in the ICU. According to his sister, while his condition is critical, he continues to fight for his life. Notably, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has retracted earlier posts mistakenly reporting his demise.

Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Zakir Hussain is a global icon in classical music. He has received numerous prestigious honors, including the Padma Shri (1988), Padma Bhushan (2002), and Padma Vibhushan (2023). Internationally, he has also been awarded three Grammy Awards for his contributions to music.

Zakir Hussain comes from a rich musical lineage. His father, Ustad Allah Rakha Quraishi, was a legendary tabla player, while his mother, Biwi Begum, supported his artistic upbringing. Zakir studied at St. Michael’s School in Mahim, Mumbai, before graduating from St. Xavier’s College. His love for tabla emerged early; at just 11 years old, he performed his first concert.

Hussain’s career took him across the globe, blending Indian classical music with various genres. In 1973, he released his debut album, Living in the Material World. Beyond music, Zakir is also an accomplished actor, having appeared in 12 films. His versatility as a musician and actor earned him an invitation from former U.S. President Barack Obama to perform at the White House during the All-Star Global Concert.

A notable incident from his youth reflects his passion. At 12, Zakir performed alongside his father at a concert featuring luminaries like Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, and Bismillah Khan. Following the performance, Zakir was gifted five rupees—a moment he cherishes as one of the most memorable in his life. In an interview, he fondly remarked, “I have earned much in my career, but those five rupees remain the most precious.”

As Zakir Hussain battles for recovery, the world waits with bated breath, hoping for the maestro’s triumphant return to health.