The world is plunged into a wave of shock as the legendary Tabla Maestro, Zakir Hussain, departs at the age of 73, leaving an irreplaceable void in the rhythm of life and art. The loss hits 70’s and 80’s kids even harder, as Zakir Hussain was more than a maestro to them—he was an iconic figure who had influenced them in their childhoods, not just with his mesmerizing performances and magical fingers, but also through the unforgettable ‘Taj Mahal’ advertisement that turned them into true fans.

Ustaad Zakir Hussain was born famous as he is the son of the legendary tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha. He was born on March 9, 1951 in Mumbai. He began playing ‘Mridnaga’ at the age of three and started giving concerts by the time he was twelve. He inherited his musical talents from his father, Alla Rakha, and later honed his skills under the guidance of legendary figures like Pandit Shiv Kumar.

He pursued his education at St. Michael’s High School and later graduated from St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai. He also received a doctorate in music from the University of Washington. Since he became popular in US, he collaborated with western bands and conducted concerts worldwide.

Ustad’s Collaborations with western bands

Zakir Hussain’s collaborations with renowned bands hold a special place in his illustrious career. Notably, he worked with ‘The Beatles’ and recorded with the American psychedelic band ‘Shanti’ in 1971. In 1975, he joined hands with John McLaughlin to form the iconic band Shakti, alongside L. Shankar, T.H. ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram, and R. Raghavan. Although ‘Shakti’ disbanded in the late 1970s, it was later revived as Remember Shakti, featuring new members. The reformed band released acclaimed albums like ‘Saturday Night’ in Bombay and ‘The Believer’, and performed at prestigious events, including the 38th Montreux Jazz Festival.

In 1987, Zakir Hussain released his debut solo album, Making Music, which is celebrated as one of the most innovative and inspiring East-West fusion works of its time.

Journey to Fame and International Recognition

He rose to international fame by showcasing the mesmerizing sounds of the Tabla at prestigious global festivals and events. This recognition opened doors for him to collaborate on numerous international films, paving the way for ground-breaking fusion music that captivated both Indian and global audiences. His efforts significantly contributed to the worldwide popularity of Indian percussion, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.

Zakir Hussain is a recipient of the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. He is additionally a composer, percussionist, music producer and film actor.

In 2024, Hussain made history as the first Indian musician to win three Grammy Awards in a single year. Shakti took home the award for Best Global Music Album, while his collaboration with Edgar Meyer and Béla Fleck, featuring Rakesh Chaurasia, won Best Global Music Performance and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.

He was even invited to the White House by former President Barack Obama in 2016 for an All-Star Global Concert, marking him as the first Indian musician to receive such an invitation.

Zakir Hussain’s Net Worth – Started Performing For Just Rs 5

While official records of Hussain’s wealth remain unavailable, estimates place his net worth between Rs. 8–10 crore. Platforms like IndiaForum suggest his wealth ranged from Rs. 5–6 crore, derived from a career that spanned decades and captivated audiences worldwide. According to reports, Hussain would charge anywhere between Rs 5 to Rs 10 Lakh for a single concert. It is also been reported that he just got the tiny sum of Rs 5 for his first performance. In one of his early interviews during the beginning of his career, he shared this with a deeply emotional reflection.

Also Read: Zakir Hussain: Tabla Maestro’s Journey From First Concert At 11 To Global Recognition