Renowned tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain passed away at the age of 73 on Sunday, just hours after being admitted to a hospital in San Francisco due to heart-related issues. In a statement, his manager Nirmala Bachani revealed that the maestro had been battling blood-pressure-related complications.
Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Ustad Zakir Hussain was the eldest son of legendary tabla player Allah Rakha, which naturally nurtured his passion for music from an early age. He completed his primary education at St. Michael's High School in Mahim, Mumbai, and later graduated from St. Xavier's College, where he built a strong foundation in both academics and music.
Zakir Hussain Net Worth
Zakir Hussain accumulated significant wealth through his exceptional performances. According to media reports, his net worth was approximately USD 1 million (₹8.48 crore). He reportedly charged between ₹5 to ₹10 lakh per concert. He was married to Antonia Minnecola, a Kathak dancer and teacher. Together, they had two daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.
Apart from music, Hussain also explored acting, appearing in films like Saaz and Heat and Dust. His most recent film, Monkey Man, was released in 2024.
Zakir Hussain's Career
Hussain has received four Grammy Awards in his career, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards in 2024. In his career spanning six decades, he worked with several renowned international and Indian artistes, but it was his 1973 musical project with English guitarist John McLaughlin, violinist L Shankar, and percussionist TH 'Vikku' Vinayakram that brought together Indian classical and elements of jazz in a fusion hitherto unknown.
One of India's most celebrated classical musicians, Hussain received the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.