Renowned tabla maestro Zakir Hussain has been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital in San Francisco due to heart-related complications, as confirmed by his friend and flautist Rakesh Chaurasia on Sunday, December 15, 2024. At 73 years old, Hussain has been battling blood pressure issues and has been in the hospital for the past two weeks, according to his manager, Nirmala Bachani.
Chaurasia expressed concern over Hussain’s health, stating, “He is unwell and admitted in the ICU right now. We all are worried about the situation.” As the eldest son of the legendary tabla player Allah Rakha, Zakir Hussain has made significant contributions to music globally, earning five Grammy Awards throughout his illustrious career, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards held earlier this year.
Throughout his six-decade career, Hussain has collaborated with numerous celebrated artists from both India and abroad. One of his most notable projects was in 1973, where he joined forces with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L. Shankar, and percussionist TH ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram to create a groundbreaking fusion of Indian classical music and jazz.
As worries over his health increase, senior journalist Pervaiz Alam shared updates from Hussain’s brother-in-law, Ayub Aulia, who is currently in London. Aulia urged fans and followers of Zakir Hussain to pray for his swift recovery during this challenging time. Hussain is a highly respected figure in Indian classical music, having received several prestigious accolades, including the Padma Shri in 1988, Padma Bhushan in 2002, and Padma Vibhushan in 2023.
In times of uncertainty regarding Hussain’s health, it’s essential for the global music community to come together in support and prayer, reflecting the deep admiration he has cultivated over the years through his artistry. Wishing him a speedy recovery may also serve as a reminder of the resilience embodied within the world of music and its ability to inspire hope and healing.