Zakir Hussain Health Update: Legendary tabla virtuoso Ustad Zakir Hussain has been admitted to a hospital in San Francisco, USA, where he is currently undergoing treatment for serious health issues. His family has requested fans worldwide to pray for his swift recovery.
Family Confirms Hospitalisation
The news was confirmed by Zakir Hussain’s brother-in-law Ayub Aulia during a phone conversation with journalist Parvez Alam. Parvez Alam shared the update on his official Twitter handle, stating, “Tabla maestro, percussionist, musician, and son of the great Ustad Allah Rakha, Zakir Hussain, is unwell.”
In a follow-up tweet, Alam added, “He is being treated for severe health complications at a hospital in San Francisco. Ayub Aulia, who resides in London, has urged fans and followers to pray for Zakir Hussain’s quick recovery.”
Zakir Hussain’s Illustrious Career
Born in 1951 in Mumbai, Zakir Hussain is regarded as one of the greatest tabla players of all time. Under the mentorship of his father, Ustad Allah Rakha, he began learning percussion at the age of 3 and gave his first concert at just 7 years old. By the age of 11, he had already started touring internationally.
Zakir Hussain’s contribution to music has earned him prestigious accolades, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan awards. In 1999, he gained international recognition when he received the United States National Endowment for the Arts’ National Heritage Fellowship, the highest honor for traditional artists and musicians in the USA.
In a historic achievement, Zakir Hussain became the first Indian musician invited by former US President Barack Obama to perform at the White House during the All-Star Global Concert.
Upcoming India Tour Announcement
Despite his current health condition, Zakir Hussain had recently announced an India tour scheduled for January 2025. The tour, titled As We Speak, will feature exceptional artists like Rakesh Chaurasia, Bela Fleck, and Edgar Meyer.