Celebrity chef Shabir Hussain - dubbed the 'King of Curry' -dies aged 56

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.

The Bradford-born star 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 Shabir, with many sending their condolences following the news of his passing.

Naz Shah, Labour MP for Bradford West, said she was "deeply saddened" to hear of the culinary star's passing, adding that he was "someone who we will all miss dearly".

Posting on X, she added: "A huge loss to his family and the world of business, not just in Bradford but across the UK as his brand reached many cities. His entrepreneurial triumph was exporting the best of Bradford’s curry scene throughout the country."

Another fan 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."

A third 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 fourth 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 fifth 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."

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