Reports of tabla master Zakir Hussain’s death flooded social media on Sunday evening, triggering waves of condolences from politicians, celebrities and fans around the world. However, these claims were quickly dismissed by his nephew Ameer Aulia, who called for an end to the misinformation.

“My uncle Zakir Hussain is very much alive,” Aulia wrote on an unverified X-handle. “We call on the news media to stop publishing false information. He is in a serious condition and we urge his fans around the world to pray for his recovery.”

The 73-year-old musician, who was admitted to the intensive care unit of a San Francisco hospital due to heart problems, remains in critical condition. Journalist Parvaiz Alam confirmed that the family had not announced any such news. “I checked with his brother-in-law in London at 1640 GMT on December 15th. “The family has not confirmed the news of his death,” Alam wrote on X.

Hussain’s manager Nirmala Bachani revealed that the artiste was struggling with blood pressure problems. “We ask for everyone’s good wishes and prayers during this challenging time,” she said.

Despite the clarification, social media was abuzz with tributes, including posts from Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting tweeted: “The world has lost a true musical genius. “Zakir Hussain’s contributions to music will be forever appreciated,” before deleting the message.

Zakir Hussain, the son of legendary tabla player Ustad Allah Rakha, is widely considered one of the greatest percussionists of all time. His groundbreaking collaboration with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar and percussionist Vikku Vinayakram in 1973 combined Indian classical music with jazz and redefined global music.

A five-time Grammy winner, Hussain won three awards at the 66th Grammys earlier this year.