Zakir Hussain and the Tabla: A Bond Like the Flame and the Lamp
Mumbai: Renowned tabla maestro Zakir Hussain has passed away at the age of 73. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. Hussain, who had been living in the United States for several years, was hospitalized in San Francisco before his demise. The relationship between Zakir Hussain and the tabla was akin to the bond between a flame and a lamp. He learned the art of tabla playing from his father, Ustad Allah Rakha Khan. Ustad Zakir Hussain leaves behind an artistic legacy that will be cherished forever.
Who Was Zakir Hussain?
Zakir Hussain was the son of the legendary tabla player Ustad Allah Rakha Khan. He composed music for many Indian and international films and even acted in the movie Saaz. Hussain began learning tabla at the age of seven under the tutelage of his father. By the age of 12, he was performing across the country, captivating audiences with his talent.
Honors and Awards
Zakir Hussain received numerous accolades throughout his career. In 1988, he was awarded the Padma Shri, followed by the Padma Bhushan in 2002 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023. In 1990, he received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his contributions to music. He also won the 51st Grammy Award in 2009, having been nominated seven times for the prestigious honor, winning on four occasions. A maestro who touched the strings of the tabla and the hearts of millions has now left us for eternity.
Fusion Group ‘Shakti’
Zakir Hussain played a pivotal role in bringing Indian classical music to a global stage. In the 1970s, he collaborated with guitarist John McLaughlin to create the fusion group Shakti, which blended Indian classical music with jazz to create a new genre. His work alongside legends like Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, George Harrison, and Mickey Hart of The Grateful Dead further elevated his international reputation.
A Multifaceted Icon
In 1989, Zakir Hussain acted in the film Heat and Dust. In 2016, he was invited by former U.S. President Barack Obama to perform at the All-Star Global Concert at the White House, making him the first Indian musician to perform at such an event.
In 1978, Zakir Hussain married Italian-American Kathak dancer Antonia Minnecola. The couple has two daughters. Now, his family comprises his wife and daughters, who continue to carry forward his memories and legacy.
Zakir Hussain’s unparalleled contributions to music, his unique bond with the tabla, and his efforts to bridge Indian and global music will remain etched in history.