Zakir Hussain is celebrated as one of the greatest tabla players in history and has significantly influenced both Indian classical music and global music scenes. As of December 15, 2024, conflicting reports have emerged regarding his health status.
Zakir Hussain Age
Zakir Hussain was born on 9 March 1951. He passed away on 15 December 2024. At the time of his death, he was 73 years old.
Zakir Hussain Biography
| Full Name | Zakir Hussain Allaraka Qureshi |
| Date of Birth | 9 March 1951 |
| Date of Death | 15 December 2024 |
| Birth Place | Bombay, India |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m) |
| Weight | 50 kgs (approx.) |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Education | St. Michael’s High School Graduation from St. Xavier College |
| Profession | Tabla Player, Composer, Producer, Actor |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Social Media | Instagram, X, Facebook |
Zakir Hussain Family
Zakir Hussain is the eldest son of the legendary tabla player Ustad Allah Rakha. He has two brothers, Taufiq Qureshi and Fazal Qureshi, both of whom are involved in music. He also had a brother named Munawar who passed away at a young age. Being born in a music family, he started learning the basics since young age.
Zakir Hussain married Antonia Minnecola, a Kathak dancer and his manager, in 1978. Their relationship began in the late 1970s when they met in California while pursuing their respective arts. Despite initial resistance from Zakir’s mother due to cultural differences, they eventually received familial acceptance. The couple had two daughters:
- Anisa Qureshi: A graduate of UCLA and a filmmaker.
- Isabella Qureshi: Currently studying dance in Manhattan.
Antonia played a crucial role in supporting Zakir’s career by managing his engagements while raising their daughters
Zakir Hussain Income & Net Worth
As of 2024, Zakir Hussain’s net worth is approx. 5-6 crores. He use to charge 5-6 lakhs for a performance. For his first performance, he got Rs.5.
| See also: Vijay Khare Biography |
Zakir Hussain Awards & Achievements
National Honors in India
- Padma Shri (1988): Awarded for his early contributions to Indian classical music.
- Padma Bhushan (2002): Recognized for his continued excellence and promotion of Indian music worldwide.
- Padma Vibhushan (2023): The second-highest civilian honor in India, acknowledging his lifelong dedication to the arts.
International Recognition
- National Heritage Fellowship (1999): Given by the U.S. National Endowment for the Arts, this award honors master traditional artists.
- Grammy Awards: Zakir Hussain won multiple Grammy Awards throughout his career, including:
- Best World Music Album (1992): For Planet Drum, a collaboration with Mickey Hart.
- Best Contemporary World Music Album (2009): For Global Drum Project.
- In 2024, he made history by winning three Grammy Awards in one night at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, including:
- Best Global Music Performance for Pashto.
- Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for As We Speak.
- Best Global Music Album for This Moment with Shakti
FAQs
Zakir Hussain married Antonia Minnecola, a Kathak dancer and teacher.
Some reports claim that Zakir Husain has passed away on 15 December, 2024. However, an anonymous account on X claiming to be his nephew tweeted he is very much alive and under treatment.
Zakir Hussain has two daughters: Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.
Zakir Hussain is a renowned Tabla maestro and son of Ustaad Allah Rakha Khan.
It is common for top Indian classical musicians like Zakir Hussain to engage in rigorous practice schedules that can range from 6 to 12 hours a day.
Ustad Zakir Hussain is often called the “king of tabla”.