Who’s Zakir Hussain? Know about his early life, wife, family, net worth, and honors
Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain died at the age of 73 from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis-a chronic lung disease-in San Francisco, USA.
His family confirmed his death on Monday after spending two weeks in the hospital, where he eventually worsened from hospital care to ICU.
His family described Hussain in a statement as “one of the most transcendent musicians on this earth,” adding that “his extraordinary legacy will leave music lovers everywhere cherishing it.”
The Indian consulate in San Francisco sent its condolences too, describing him as an inspiring figure and contributor to world music.
Early Life of Zakir Hussain
Zakir Hussain, the oldest son of the great Ustad Allah Rakha, was born into the world on 9th March, 1951, in the city of Mumbai.
Zakir has always had an innate desire and talent for music, starting at an early age. He honed the centuries-old art of tabla under the inspired guidance of his father while experimenting with it within the new artistic grooves.
For his early education, Zakir first went to St. Michael’s High School at Mahim, before going to St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai for graduation. His studies were parallel to his musical journey, where discipline and creativity held hands with one another.
In the course of his life so far, he has played with so many musicians from the classical to the contemporary legends, contributing richly to Indian classical and fusion music.
The exceptional talent in him made him receive many awards, such as the Padma Bhushan. Today, Zakir Hussain is regarded worldwide as the pride of Indian music.
Zakir Hussain Wife and Family
Zakir has one girl, Anisa, and one daughter, Isabella, by marrying a Kathak dancer and teacher, Antonia Minnecola. Apart from music, he has acted in films like Saaz and Heat and Dust, the last of which was Monkey Man, released in 2024.
Zakir Hussain Net Worth
Media reports claimed that his net worth estimates were close to around $1 million or Rs 8.48 crore. Additionally, he made charges ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh for his concerts.
Zakir Hussain Achievements and Awards
Zakir Hussain is the original tabla player who is heard across the world. Apart from being an incredible tabla maestro in traditional settings, he has much to his credit along with the accolades in Indian classical music and world percussion.
Almost all the highest civilian honors in India have graced him for his allegiance to music. In the year of 1988, he was awarded with the Padma Shri, which recognized him for his very innovative hybridization of traditional Indian rhythms with other styles.
Further Padma Bhushan in the year 2002 emphasized his role as an ambassador of culture, bringing the tabla to international stages.
Most recently, he received the Padma Vibhushan given in the year 2023, which happens to be India’s second major civilian award, for all of his lifetime achievements and for contributing so much towards Indian-influenced music.
