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Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain died on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 73, after being hospitalized for about two weeks. His family confirmed the news a day later, on Monday. According to the family, Hussain developed complications that arose out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and ultimately led to his demise.
Hussain left behind his wife, Antonia Minnecola, and their daughters, Isabella Qureshi and Anisa Qureshi. Antonia, whom Hussain met back in the 70s, is a Kathak dancer and teacher of Italian-American descent. Antonia, who is reportedly lovingly known as Toni, had received training from the legendary Sitara Devi.
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Toni has performed in several festivals and events worldwide, including Jacob's Pillow, Other Minds Festival, the San Francisco Jazz Festival, Stanford Lively Arts, and Cal Performances. She has also received the honor of the Marin Arts Council Individual Artist Grant for Choreography twice.
It has further been reported that Toni accompanied her husband, Zakir Hussain, several times as a solo Kathak dancer. She also appeared on the Tabla maestro's Masters of Percussion tour. Toni also assisted Zakir when he was acting as a guest professor at Princeton University and Stanford University.
Everything to know about Zakir Hussain's life and family amid his death
Born in March 1951 in Mumbai, India, Zakir Hussain was a famous percussionist and the son of tabla player Alla Rakha. He is considered one of the greatest tabla players of all time. Hussain also received several civilian awards in India, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan. According to the family statement reported by Livemint:
"He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come."
Hussain had two brothers, Taufiq Qureshi and Fazal Qureshi, who were also percussionists. He had another brother who passed away at a young age. Hussain also had an elder sister named Bilquis, who died before he was born. Razia, another sibling, passed away in 2000 due to complications that developed during a cataract surgery. The percussionist had another sister named Khurshid Aulia.
As mentioned, Zakir Hussain married Kathak dancer Antonia Minnecola, with whom he has two children. As reported by Deccan Herald, Antonia had already started her dance training when the couple met.
Their older daughter, Anisa, who graduated from UCLA, is now a filmmaker. She was an assistant to the producer as well as director for the 2007 movie 3:10 to Yuma. Anisa also has a daughter named Zara, who had a great bond with Hussain, as mentioned by Hauterrfly. Hussain's younger daughter, Isabella, is currently studying dance in Manhattan, as reported by Deccan Herald.
The legendary Zakir Hussain has worked with several Western artists in his lifetime, including names like Yo-Yo Ma, Charles Lloyd, Béla Fleck, and Edgar Meyer. He has also won four Grammy Awards in his entire career.
Several people and netizens have paid tributes and condolences after Hussain passed away.
