Zakir Hussain Biography: A Look At His Age, Education, Family Background And Awards

Renowned tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain was in a critical state on Sunday, and by Monday morning, his family confirmed his passing. Reports suggest that he succumbed to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The National Institutes of Health (NIH) describes IPF as a severe chronic illness impacting the lung tissue around the alveoli. As we grieve this loss, let's reflect on Zakir Hussain's extraordinary life.

Born on March 9, 1951, Zakir Hussain began his musical journey at seven. By age 12, he had already performed his first concert. He attended St. Michael's High School in Mahim and later graduated from St. Xavier's College in Mumbai. His early exposure to music set the stage for a remarkable career.

In the 1970s, Zakir Hussain gained international fame, performing over 150 concerts annually. He collaborated with artists like George Harrison on 'Living in the Material World' and John Handy on 'Hard Work.' Mickey Hart invited him to contribute to "Planet Drum," which won a Grammy in 1992. Zakir also co-founded "Tabla Beat Science," further cementing his legacy.

Family Background and Personal Life

Zakir was born into a family of musical legends as the eldest son of Ustad Alla Rakha. Following his father's path, he became a maestro himself. He married Kathak dancer Antonia Minnecola, who also managed him. Together they had two daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.

Awards and Honours

Zakir Hussain received numerous accolades for his exceptional talent. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1988 and Padma Bhushan in 2002. In 2023, he received the Padma Vibhushan. Other honours include the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1990 and Japan's Kyoto Prize in Arts & Philosophy in 2022. In 2024, he won three Grammy awards.

Craftsmanship Behind Zakir's Tabla

The craftsmanship behind Zakir Hussain's tablas was attributed to Hridas Vhatkar, who crafted them for over 18 years. Hridas reportedly learned this skill specifically to create tablas for Zakir, showcasing dedication to perfection.

Age

Zakir Hussain lived a full life until his passing at age 73.

The world mourns the loss of an iconic musician whose influence transcends generations. His contributions to music will continue to inspire many aspiring artists globally.