Zakir Hussain Biography, Age, Religion, Net Worth, Education, Parents Wife, Children, Achievement
Zakir Hussain Biography
Zakir Hussain was a legendary tabla virtuoso, composer, and global ambassador of Indian classical music. Here are some key details about his life and achievements:
Early Life and Education
- Birth: Zakir Hussain was born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, India.
- Family: He was the eldest son of the renowned tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha.
- Education: He completed his schooling at St. Michael’s High School in Mahim and graduated from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. His father trained him in the Punjab gharana style of tabla playing.
Career Highlights
- Musical Journey: Zakir Hussain began performing publicly at the age of seven. He collaborated with many global artists, including Pt. Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, and was a founding member of the fusion group Shakti.
- Film Contributions: He composed music for films like “Heat and Dust” and “In Custody,” and played tabla on soundtracks for movies such as “Apocalypse Now” and “Little Buddha”.
- Global Recognition: He performed with international artists and contributed to albums like George Harrison’s “Living in the Material World” and Van Morrison’s “Into the Music”.
Awards and Honors
- Padma Shri (1988) and Padma Bhushan (2002): Awarded by the Indian Government for his exceptional contributions to music.
- Grammy Awards: He won four Grammy Awards, including one for the album “Planet Drum” in 1992.
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1990) and Fellowship (2018): Recognized by India’s National Academy of Music, Dance, and Drama.
Personal Life
- Marriage: Zakir Hussain was married to Antonia Minnecola, a Kathak dancer and writer. They had two daughters, Anisa and Isabel Qureshi².
- Death: He passed away on December 16, 2024, at the age of 73.
Zakir Hussain Age
Zakir Hussain was born on March 9, 1951. As of today, December 16, 2024, he would be 73 years old.
Zakir Hussain Religion
Zakir Hussain was born into a Muslim family and followed Islam throughout his life. His father, Ustad Alla Rakha, was also a devout Muslim and a renowned tabla player. The family upheld Islamic traditions and values, which played a significant role in their daily lives and cultural practices.
Zakir Hussain’s faith influenced his music and his approach to life, emphasizing humility, discipline, and dedication. He often spoke about the spiritual aspects of music and how it connected him to a higher power.
Zakir Hussain Net Worth
Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla maestro, had an estimated net worth of around $1 million (approximately ₹8.48 crore) at the time of his passing. His wealth was accumulated through decades of performances, collaborations, and contributions to both Indian classical and global music scenes.
Earnings and Concert Fees
- Concert Fees: Zakir Hussain charged between ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh per concert.
- Film Contributions: He also earned from composing music for films and playing tabla on various soundtracks.
Legacy and Family
- Inheritance: His wealth is expected to be inherited by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, and their two daughters, Anisa and Isabel Qureshi.
Zakir Hussain’s financial success was a testament to his immense talent and the global appreciation for his music.
Zakir Hussain Education
Zakir Hussain’s education was a blend of formal schooling and rigorous musical training:
Formal Education
- Schooling: He attended St. Michael’s High School in Mahim, Mumbai.
- College: He graduated from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, balancing his academic pursuits with his dedication to music.
Musical Training
- Early Training: Zakir Hussain was trained by his father, Ustad Alla Rakha, a legendary tabla maestro. He was immersed in the Punjab gharana style of tabla playing from a young age.
- Public Performances: He began performing publicly at the age of seven, showcasing his extraordinary talent and dedication to the art of tabla⁴.
His education, both academic and musical, laid the foundation for his illustrious career, making him one of the most celebrated tabla players in the world.
Zakir Hussain Parents
Parents of Zakir Hussain
Father: Ustad Alla Rakha
- Full Name: Ustad Alla Rakha Qureshi
- Profession: Renowned tabla maestro and a pioneer in popularizing the tabla as a solo instrument.
- Influence: Alla Rakha was a significant influence on Zakir Hussain’s musical journey. He began teaching Zakir tabla rhythms from a very young age, even reciting tabla rhythms in his ears instead of traditional prayers when he was born.
- Legacy: Alla Rakha’s dedication to music and his innovative techniques greatly shaped Zakir’s approach to tabla playing. He was known for his collaborations with sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar, which brought Indian classical music to global audiences.
Mother: Bavi Begum
- Role: Bavi Begum was a supportive figure in Zakir Hussain’s life, although she preferred a more traditional approach to their cultural practices.
- Family Life: She was known to have been initially upset when Alla Rakha recited tabla rhythms instead of prayers to Zakir, but she supported her husband’s and son’s musical careers.
Zakir Hussain’s parents played crucial roles in his upbringing, providing a rich cultural and musical environment that nurtured his extraordinary talent.
Zakir Hussain Wife
Antonia Minnecola: Zakir Hussain’s Wife
Antonia Minnecola is a Kathak dancer, teacher, and writer. Here are some key details about her life and relationship with Zakir Hussain:
Early Life and Career
- Background: Antonia Minnecola is an Italian-American who developed a deep interest in Indian classical dance, particularly Kathak.
- Training: She trained under renowned Kathak dancers and became proficient in the art form. Her dedication to dance led her to explore Indian classical music and culture.
Relationship with Zakir Hussain
- Meeting: Antonia met Zakir Hussain in the late 1970s in California’s Bay Area. They were introduced by Ali Akbar Khan, a legendary sarod player.
- Marriage: The couple dated for seven years before getting married. Their marriage was initially kept secret from Zakir’s mother, but his father, Ustad Alla Rakha, supported their union and married them in a Muslim ceremony.
- Family: Zakir and Antonia have two daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi. Anisa is a filmmaker, while Isabella is studying dance in Manhattan.
Professional Life
- Career: Besides being a dancer, Antonia also managed Zakir Hussain’s career, helping him navigate the global music scene. Her understanding of both Indian and Western cultures played a significant role in their professional and personal lives.
Antonia Minnecola’s partnership with Zakir Hussain was marked by mutual respect and a shared passion for the arts. Their love story is a testament to the power of cultural exchange and artistic collaboration.
Zakir Hussain Children
Zakir Hussain and his wife, Antonia Minnecola, have two daughters:
Anisa Qureshi
- Profession: Anisa is a filmmaker.
- Education: She graduated from UCLA.
- Notable Works: Anisa has worked on films such as “3:10 to Yuma” (2007), “Mr. Woodcock” (2007), and “Just Like Heaven” (2005).
- Personal Life: Anisa is married to Taylor Phillips, and they have a daughter named Zara.
Isabella Qureshi
- Profession: Isabella is a dancer and choreographer.
- Education: She studied dance in Manhattan.
- Career: Isabella is involved in choreographing musicals and continues to pursue her passion for dance.
Both daughters have followed creative paths, influenced by their parents’ artistic backgrounds. Zakir Hussain often expressed pride in their achievements and supported their endeavors.
Zakir Hussain Achievement
Zakir Hussain’s career was marked by numerous prestigious awards and achievements, reflecting his immense contributions to music both in India and globally. Here are some of the key highlights:
Major Awards and Honors
- Padma Shri (1988): Awarded by the Government of India for his contributions to Indian classical music.
- Padma Bhushan (2002): Another high civilian honor from the Indian Government recognizing his exceptional achievements in music.
- Padma Vibhushan (2023): The second-highest civilian award in India, acknowledging his outstanding service in the field of music.
Grammy Awards
- Best World Music Album (1992): For the album “Planet Drum,” a collaboration with Mickey Hart.
- Best Contemporary World Music Album (2009): For the album “Global Drum Project,” again with Mickey Hart.
- Best Global Music Album (2024): For the album “This Moment” with the group Shakti.
- Best World Music Album (2024): For the album “As We Speak” with Béla Fleck and Edgar Meyer.
Other Notable Recognitions
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1990): India’s highest recognition for performing artists.
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (2018): The highest honor conferred by India’s National Academy of Music, Dance, and Drama.
- National Heritage Fellowship (1999): The highest award given by the United States to traditional artists and musicians.
Contributions to Music and Culture
- Shakti: Co-founded the fusion group Shakti in 1973 with John McLaughlin, blending Indian classical music with jazz and Western traditions.
- Film Music: Composed music for films such as “Heat and Dust” and “In Custody,” and played tabla on soundtracks for movies like “Apocalypse Now” and “Little Buddha”.
- Global Collaborations: Worked with a wide range of international artists, including George Harrison, Van Morrison, Yo-Yo Ma, and Béla Fleck.
Legacy
Zakir Hussain’s legacy extends beyond his awards. He was a global ambassador for Indian classical music, bringing the tabla to international prominence and inspiring countless musicians worldwide. His innovative approach and collaborations across genres have left an indelible mark on the world of music.
