Zakir Hussain Passes Away At 73: A Look Into His Net Worth And His Illustrious Life – News18
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Zakir Hussain breathed his last in San Francisco. Here’s a closer look at his net worth and his legacy.
Zakir Hussain passed away at the age of 73. (Photo Credits: Instagram)
Legendary table player Zakir Hussain passed away at 73 due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. His family confirmed the news on Monday. The maestro passed away in San Francisco. The award-winning legend has contributed to music and has left behind a legacy that will be never forgotten. As the world mourns the loss, let’s take a look at his net worth and his assets.
Born in Mumbai, Zakir Hussain was the eldest son of renowned tabla player 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 I was born. My father gave aazan in my ear. My father didn’t give aazan but started playing tabla near my ear. Everybody wondered what my father was doing. He said that my aazan was only this. I am a pujari of Saraswati and therefore this is my prayer. From then onwards, he used to hold me in my hands and play rhythm. It benefited me in such a way that I had rhythm in my subconscious when I was three years old. Some kind of homework was already done. I recognized it like Arjun talking to Abhimanyu when he was in his mother’s womb.”
He was drawn to music since he was a child, so much so that he had his first concert when he was seven years old. He had started touring when he was 11 years old.
The legendary musician has contributed to both Indian classical music and global music. He scripted history when he became the first Indian to win three Grammy Awards in a single night. He also had an illustrious career in cinema where he worked on 12 films. With 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 passing, his family reflected on his contribution and legacy. The statement said, “His prolific work as a teacher, mentor, and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians. He hoped to inspire the next generation to go further. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time. The family requests privacy at this time.”
For his first concert, he received just Rs 5. However, reports mention that he charges anywhere between Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh for a single concert.
Hussain is survived by his wife Antonia Minnecola, an Italian Kathak dancer, and his two daughters – Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi. He also has two brothers – Taufiq Qureshi a percussionist, and Fazal Qureshi, also a tabla player. He was living in the United States with his family.
At the time of his death, reports mention that his net worth was estimated to be around US $10 million (approximately Rs 85 crore).
