Zakir Hussain: Read 10 surprising facts about the music legend

From the first performance to the significance of Rs 5 

Ustad Zakir Hussain was born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai. He inherited the art of tabla playing from his father, Alla Rakha Khan, also a renowned tabla player.

Zakir Hussain gave his first concert in the US at the age of 11, marking the beginning of his artistic journey.

His compositions in the album, 'Living in the Material World' (1973) established him in the music world.

Ustad Zakir Hussain was the first Indian musician invited to the White House by President Barack Obama.

Zakir Hussain has been honoured with four Grammy Awards for his outstanding contributions to music.

Despite his fame, Zakir Hussain doesn't consider himself the best tabla player, acknowledging others' superior skills.

Ustad Zakir Hussain married Italian-American Kathak dancer Antonia Minnecola in 1978. They have two daughters, Anisa and Isabella Qureshi.

Zakir Hussain performed at 12 with his father alongside legends like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan.

Zakir Hussain once said that receiving 5 rupees after a performance was his most precious gift.

Ustad Zakir Hussain believed that Hindustani music is not for stadiums; it's meant for intimate settings.