Zakir Hussain Passes Away At 73

Zakir Hussain has passed away. He was 73. The tabla Maestro breathed his last in San Francisco on Sunday late night. The Padma Bhushan recipient was reportedly hospitalised in the US. His health condition deteriorated which led to his death. The family has issued a statement, sharing details about Zakir Hussain’s death. They revealed he died of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic disease affecting the lungs.

He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time." The family has requested ‘privacy at this time.’ Zakir was in the hospital for the last two weeks. He was shifted to the ICU after his condition deteriorated.

The family statement came hours after the confusion over his death. On Sunday night, news broke out that Zakir Hussain had passed away. Several political leaders and eminent personalities offered their tributes, seemingly confirming that Zakir was no more. However, an X user claiming to be his nephew sparked confusion by claiming Zakir was still alive.

Soon after, Zakir’s sister Khurshid Aulia told Mid-Day that Zakir was still fighting for his life. “The news of his passing away is false. He is very much alive, but he is in very, very critical condition." Unfortunately, in the wee hours of Monday, it was reported that Zakir Hussain had died.

This comes hours after journalist Pervaiz Alam shared the news of the Tabla maestro’s hospitalisation on X. “Ustad Zakir Hussain, Tabla player, percussionist, composer, former actor, and the son of legendary Tabla player, Ustad Allah Rakha is not well. He’s being treated for serious ailments in a San Francisco hospital, USA, informed his brother-in-law, Ayub Aulia… Aulia sahab has requested Zakir’s followers to pray for his speedy recovery," he wrote.

The news of Zakir Hussain’s death has left the entire nation shocked and grief-struck.