Zakir Hussain breathed his last in San Francisco. Here’s a closer look at his net worth and his legacy.
Zakir Hussain died at the age of 73. (Photo credit: Instagram)
Legendary table player Zakir Hussain passed away at the age of 73 due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. His family confirmed the news on Monday. The teacher died in San Francisco. The award-winning legend has contributed to music and left behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. As the world mourns the loss, let’s take a look at his net worth and his assets.
Born in Mumbai, Zakir Hussain He was the elder son of renowned tabla musician Allah Rakha. His father introduced him to music when he was just two days old.
In an old interview with Shankar Mahadevan, Hussain said, “I started two days after my birth. My father called the adhan in my ear. My father did not call the adhan but started playing the tabla near my ear.” Everyone was wondering what my father was doing. He said that I am the priest of Saraswati and since then he used to chant it in his hands I benefited in this way when I was three years old So there was some kind of homework already done in my subconscious like Arjuna talking to Abhimanyu when he was in his mother’s womb.”
He was drawn to music from childhood, so much so that he gave his first concert when he was seven years old. He started touring at the age of 11.
The legendary musician has contributed to both Indian classical music and world music. He made history when he became the first Indian to win three Grammy Awards in a single night. He also had a brilliant career in cinema where he acted in 12 films. For his contributions, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.
In an official statement on Hussain’s death, his family reflected on his contribution and legacy. “His outstanding work as a teacher, mentor, and educator left an indelible impression on countless musicians. He hoped to inspire the next generation to go even further. He was a cultural icon,” the statement said. Ambassador and has left an unparalleled legacy as one of the greatest musicians of all time. The family requests privacy at this time.”
For his first concert, he got only Rs.5. However, reports suggest that they charge between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh for a concert.
Hussain is survived by his wife Antonia Minicola, an Italian Kathak dancer, and his two daughters Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi. He also has two brothers – Tawfiq Qureshi, a percussionist and Fazal Qureshi, who is also a tabla player. He lived in America with his family.
At the time of his death, reports indicated that his net worth was estimated to be around US$10 million (roughly Rs. 85 crore).