Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain is no more

Arjun Rathore

Indore (Team Newsbuddy): A very sad news has come not only for India but for the international music world. Tabla magician Ustad Zakir Hussain is no more among us. He was undergoing treatment in San Francisco where he breathed his last. The music world has plunged into deep mourning as soon as the news of his death was received.

Ustad Zakir Hussain’s name is taken as a synonym for tabla in the history of Indian classical music. He was not only India’s most famous tabla player but was also a great artist representing Indian classical music at the international level. His life was a testimony to his dedication to music and his unique skills.

Ustad Zakir Hussain was born on 9 March 1951 in Mumbai. His father, Ustad Allah Rakha, was also a great tabla player and was his first guru. Zakir Hussain started playing tabla at the age of just three. His father recognised his talent and gave him traditional training in the tabla. Zakir Hussain did his early schooling from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, but his dedication to music soon drew him to the field.

Zakir Hussain took Indian classical music to new heights. He established the tabla not only as an accompanying instrument but also as an independent instrument. His tabla playing was a blend of complex calculations, advanced technique and immense creativity. He shared the stage with legendary artists like Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, and Shivkumar Sharma.

His most special feature was that he brought every raga and taal alive in his own style. He started a new trend by combining Indian classical music with Western music. His “fusion” style, such as “Shakti” and “Ritm Experience”, gave him a global identity.

Ustad Zakir Hussain played an important role in taking Indian music to the global stage. He performed his art in every corner of the world. He worked with western artists and gave a new direction to “fusion music”. His jugalbandi with western musicians like John McLaughlin and Mickey Hart mesmerized the audience.
His contribution is not only in the performing arts, but he also worked to increase global awareness of Indian music. Zakir Hussain presented Indian classical music in a modern context through “World Music”.

Zakir Hussain was honored with many awards for his outstanding contribution. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1988 and the Padma Bhushan in 2002. Apart from this, he also received the Grammy Award which was a proof of international acceptance of his art.

Zakir Hussain did not consider music to be just a medium of entertainment. According to him, music is the language of the soul and every person who listens to it connects deeply with it. His practice, discipline and his passion for art will remain inspirational for every artist.

The life of Ustad Zakir Hussain is the story of his dedication to Indian music. When his fingers danced on the tabla, they not only produced sound but also started a journey that touched the soul. He gave a new identity to Indian classical music and through his art, he
spread the glory of Indian culture across the world.