Grammy and Padma Vibhushan Award-winner Zakir Hussain passed away in San Francisco on Monday. According to an official statement by the family, the 73-year-old tabla maestro spent nearly two weeks in a hospital and died due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis complications. In a career spanning nearly six decades, he has left “indelible mark on countless musicians” as a teacher, mentor and educator, the family added.
Zakir Hussain Passes Away – Tabla Maestro’s Rise from Rs 5 Fees to Rs 85 Crore Net Worth
In nearly six decades of a career, Hussain didn’t just gain a worldwide name and fame, he amassed a net worth of nearly $1 million or Rs 85 crore
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“He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time. The family requests privacy at this time,” said the family in the statement.
Zakir Hussain Net Worth: A Musician’s Tale of Humble Beginning
Zakir Hussain was born into the family of the great tabla player Allah Rakha and his inclination towards music was natural given his family’s legacy. Despite coming from a family of musicians, his journey was filled with financial turmoil, largely because of limited avenues for musicians to financially support themselves. For his first performance, the tabla maestro was paid just Rs 5.
In nearly six decades of career, Hussain didn’t just gain a worldwide name and fame, he amassed a net worth of nearly $1 million or Rs 85 crore. The sources of his income comprised concerts, collaborations and recordings and teachings and workshops. According to multiple media reports, the 73-year-old tabla player charged around Rs 5 to 10 lakh per concert.
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Apart from performing and collaborating with other musicians for various music albums, he also taught tabla. He had students from all over the world. This also added substantially to his income.
Hussain’s long career is a story of perseverance fueled with dedication, which won him many recognitions both nationally and internationally. Hussain is the only musician who has won Grammy Awards and national awards like Padma Shri in 1988, Padma Bhushan in 2022, and Padma Vibhushan in 2023. The awards enhanced his reputation and eventually increased opportunities for him via sponsorships and performances.
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