Updated:March 14, 2026
Name: Zakir Hussain
Date of Birth: March 9, 1951 (73 years)
Date of Death: December 15, 2024 (aged 73)
Date of Death: December 15, 2024
Origin: Bombay, India
Nationality: Indian
Religion: Muslim
Occupation: Tabla player, Composer, Percussionist, Music producer
Genres: Classical
Marital Status: Married
Spouse: Antonia Minnecola
Children: Isabella Qureshi, Anisa Qureshi
Parents: Alla Rakha, Bavi Begum
Networth: $50 millions
Biography & Career:
Ustad Zakir Hussain (9 March 1951 – 15 December 2024) was a legendary Indian tabla virtuoso, composer, and global ambassador of Hindustani classical music. He passed away in San Francisco at the age of 73, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that shaped Indian classical and world music for more than six decades.
Born on March 9, 1951, he was one of the world's greatest tabla virtuosos, widely recognized for his contributions to both Indian classical music and global fusion music. Zakir father was Ustad Alla Rakha, another legendary tabla player, from whom he inherited his passion and skill. Growing up as the son of a great tabla player, he began his training at a young age and soon established himself as a prodigious talent, performing internationally by his early twenties.
Over the years, Zakir collaborated with numerous musicians across genres. He co-founded Shakti, a fusion band blending Indian classical music with jazz, later reformed as Remember Shakti. His contribution to the Planet Drum Project with Mickey Hart earned him his first Grammy Award in 1991. In 2024, he won three more Grammys, including Best Global Music Album, for his recent works such as This Moment with Remember Shakti.
Zakir's personal life was as rich as his musical journey. He was married to Antonia Minnecola, a Kathak dancer who also served as his manager. Together, they had two daughters, Anisa and Isabella. His family played an essential role in supporting his career, and he often credited his wife for helping shape his professional path.
With a career filled with numerous awards, including the Padma Vibhushan, Zakir elevated the status of the tabla on the world stage. His net worth was estimated at $50 million, reflecting his sustained success in both music and education, where he served as guest faculty at prestigious institutions.
Throughout his career, Zakir mesmerized audiences with concerts worldwide, collaborating with artists such as Rahul Sharma and John McLaughlin.
Albums: