How love overcomes family tradition, Living India

The legendary tabla master married Antonia without her mother’s consent. His father performed the Muslim ceremony.

December 16, 2024: Legend Master Watch Zakir Hussainpassed away on December 15, leaving behind a legacy of music and memories. One of the most cherished moments of his life was when he had Antonia Minnicolaa love story that encounters resistance but ultimately triumphs over tradition.

Also Read: Bollywood and music fraternity pay heartfelt tribute to Zakir Hussain: ‘A treasure trove of skills’

in an old interview Date with Simi GariwalZakir Hussain revealed that he married Antonia without telling his mother. “This was the first interracial marriage in my family. It was harder for my mother to accept it than it was for my father. We didn’t tell her until after I got married,” Zakir confessed.

Also Read: Zakir Hussain: The Tabla Master Whose Rhythms Will Reverberate Forever – Introduction

Zakir’s father was instrumental in understanding the connection between the two. Not only did he officiate through their wedding muslim ritual But also dealt with the delicate task of explaining it to Zakir’s mother. Zakir recalled humorously, “My dad just said, ‘Okay, done. Just live with it.'”

Also Read: Tabla maestro and global music icon Zakir Hussain dies at 73

As time passed, his mother fell more and more in love with Antonia. Zakir explained, “She met her, got to know her, and realized that this person was the most important thing, beyond tradition and religion. She loved Tony and cared about her world.”

Antonia Minnicola, who accompanied Zakir in the episode, shared about their first meeting. “I visited the Ali Akbar Khan sahab to learn dance. That’s when I met Zakir. I thought he was cute and I felt like I knew him immediately,” she said.

The couple has been in love for decades and raised two daughters. Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi. Zakir’s ability to balance tradition, family and love is evident not only in his music but also in his personal life.