A popular celebrity chef, dubbed the 'King of Curry' has died, aged 56.
Shabir Hussain, who founded successful Indian restaurant chain Akbar's, has passed away after battling cancer. Akbar's Restaurant Group announced the sad news on , posting: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Shabir Hussain, founder of Akbars Restaurant Group. All restaurants will now be closed and will reopen on Friday 18th October at 5pm.
"Please remember Shabir Hussain in your prayers. May Allah grant him the highest rank in Jannah and bring peace and strength to his family during this difficult time."
Shabir's first restaurant opened in 1995 in Bradford city centre. However, it became so popular that Akbar's soon became a chain, expanding across the north of England, and the Midlands.
Shabir hosted the grand opening of the group's latest venue in Blackburn in March this year. After he announced he had cancer last year, fans across the had been praying for the chef, with many sending their condolences following the news of his passing.
One wrote on X, formerly : "Ah no how very sad! I know how proud Shabir was of the incredible empire he had built with Akbars and how unbelievably hard he always worked. Shocked to hear this. Thoughts with his family and my he rest in peace."
Another added: "Shabir was the third scion of Bradford's Kashmiri restaurant trade to pass away recently. Bradford has lost another great businessman, philanthropist and all round humanitarian who contributed hugely to the city in such a positive way!"
A third penned: "Thank you Shabir for all your hard work and dedication. Akbars has been my favourite place to eat since being introduced as a teenager. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting 4 Akbar’s restaurants across the UK and love every single one. Rest in peace."
Meanwhile, a fourth lamented: "Very sad day, what a man always welcoming was one of his very first customers, and he became a great friend R.I.P Shabir Hussain."
In an interview earlier this year, Shabir claimed to have invented a vertical metal stand with hooks to hold large naan breads as a business move.
Speaking to the CEO Club podcast, the restaurateur said: "I'm the guy who invented the naan tree - my biggest regret is I could have patented it. It's actually now used everywhere by everybody."
Follow Mirror Celebs on , , , , , and .
You may also like
Strictly star Wynne Evans' heartbreaking split from ex-wife sparked 'irrational fear'
Kyle Walker and Lauryn Goodman's secret 'groin treatment' romps that blitzed Annie Kilner marriage
Setback for Kerala BJP President as HC stays discharge order in bribery case
Diarrhoea deaths prompt urgent response from Andhra Pradesh CM
Rio Ferdinand hits nail on the head explaining why Jurgen Klopp didn't want England job
"Government formation without statehood felt incomplete today": Rahul Gandhi after attending oath ceremony of Omar Abdullah
Esther Rantzen says 'we want right to choose to shorten deaths, not lives'
Misbehaviour with woman scribe case: Union minister Suresh Gopi seeks bail in alleged journalist misconduct case
Karwa Chauth 2024: 7 Mehndi Designs For Married Woman
Rock legend issues foul-mouthed message to fans over annoying habit at gig
Man held for carrying bullet at Delhi airport
"Will try to meet expectations of people, work for them": J-K Minister Sakina Itoo
Chhattisgarh teen detained for hoax bomb threat on Mumbai-New York Air India flight
Parbhani: Doctor Ends Life After Harassment from Husband, In-Laws Over ₹1 Crore Demand
King Charles in fresh row with Australia over snubbing country's 'favourite cake'
EA FC 25 Max 87 Base Icon SBC – release time and every player you can get
Delhi's Culinary Calendar For This Fortnight- 8 Exciting Food Events Not To Be Missed In The City
Time to ditch your Kindle? 5 reasons why I think Kobo is better
UP: Maid arrested for mixing urine in dough
Video: Indian Man Breaks Record With World's Smallest Washing Machine, Internet Asks 'What's The Use?'