Mon Dec 16 05:49:40 UTC 2024: ## Legendary Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain Passes Away at 73
**San Francisco, USA:** Renowned tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away on Monday at the age of 73. He had been hospitalized in San Francisco for some time due to health issues. Hussain, a recipient of the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan awards, leaves behind a legacy as one of the world’s most celebrated tabla players.
Hussain’s journey began humbly. Learning tabla from his father, Ustad Allah Rakha, he started performing at a young age. His first performance in the US at the age of 12 earned him just five rupees. However, his talent propelled him to international acclaim, commanding fees of up to 5-10 lakh rupees per concert later in his career. His estimated net worth is reported to be around $1 million.
Beyond his tabla mastery, Hussain also acted in 12 films and released his first album, “Living in the Material World,” in 1973 at the age of 22. His career spanned decades, transforming him from a young prodigy into a global icon and earning him five Grammy Awards.
Hussain is survived by his Italian-American wife, Antonia Minnecola, a dancer, teacher, and his manager, and their two daughters, Anisa and Isabella. His wife was a disciple of the renowned late dancer Sitara Devi.
First Piper 