Trigger warning: This article mentions death.
The world mourned the demise of the great table maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain as the news of his death spread like wildfire. But according to his sister Khurshid Auliya, there is no truth in this information and it is factually incorrect. While talking to a publication, he confirmed that his brother is absolutely alive, but his condition is very serious.
After the demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain sparked a wave of condolence on social media, the sister of legendary musician Zakir Hussain spoke to Mid-Day and confirmed that the news of his demise is false. “He is absolutely alive, but his condition is very serious,” he told the publication on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
He further informed that Hussain’s wife Antonia Minnecola has said that if anything happens to him or he passes away, she will issue an official statement for the same. But as long as he is breathing and getting treatment, they won’t say anything.
Furthermore, Auliya, on behalf of Hussain’s family, requested people to pray for him in this difficult time as “he is a star of the world and a talented person. He is my brother,” she said with a heavy heart. On Sunday, Hussain’s friend and flautist Rakesh Chaurasia told PTI that the 73-year-old Indian musician has been admitted to hospital in San Francisco and is undergoing treatment for a heart problem.
“He has been admitted to a hospital in San Francisco since last week due to a heart problem. He is unwell and is currently admitted in ICU. We are all concerned about the situation,” Chawrasia shared. Born to tabla player Alla Rakha and Bavi Begum in Mahim, Mumbai, Zakir Hussain is not only an excellent musician but also a composer, percussionist, music producer and film actor.
Hussain began his journey in the world of music at a very young age and eventually became one of the greatest tabla players of all time. Hussain received three awards at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards on February 4, 2024. He is a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award as well as the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.
Also read: 7 famous musicians of India who have left an indelible mark; From Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Zakir Hussain to AR Rahman
