Zakir Hussain the renowned Tabla maestro, percussionist, composer and a legend who was India’s very own has left for the heavenly abodes. He was admitted at a hospital in San Francisco and died of a severe case of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The legend has passed away at 73.
The renowned Tabla maestro has etched his name as one of the world’s greatest musicians of all times. His long fingers flew and fluttered at a lighting fast speed on Tabla, weaving raga and magic. Known for his exceptional ability to blend Indian classical music with international music genres, Hussain’s career spanned across decades. His 60 years of musical journey is full of numerous accolades and accomplishments. In fact, his dedication to preserving tradition while welcoming innovation earned him the recognition of cultural ambassador of Indian music.
Zakir Hussain, The Tabla Maverick
Zakir Hussain’s musical talent is a testament of India’s rich musical heritage. With his fluttering smooth and swift fingers he captivated his audience and made the whole world go “Wah Ustad Wah!”
Born on March 9, 1951, in a family of musicians in Mumbai. Zakir Hussain was the son of the legendary Ustad Alla Rakha Khan. Even before the prayers of Azaan could reach his ears, his father had whispered the beats of Tabla to his ears. In the video shared below, Zakir Hussain, can be heard elaborating the incident. He shares that, that’s how his father prayed. Narrating this incident Zakir Hussain says, “He said that I am the worshipper of Goddess Sarasvati, Lord Ganesh. And this a devout Muslim talking. And this is the knowledge or vidhya I had got from my teachers and I want to pass it on to my son.”
My father didn't give aazan but started playing tabla near my ear. Everybody wondered what my father was doing?
He said that my aazan was only this. I am a pujari of Saraswati and therefore this is my prayer.
– Ustad Zakir Hussain
Om shanti 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/P3YixcaG0Z
— Sheetal Chopra 🇮🇳 (@SheetalPronamo) December 15, 2024
In other words, Zakir Hussain got immersed in the world of music quite early in life. He learned music under his fathers guidance and started performing in public by the age of 7. By the age of 12, he was already touring internationally and had gained recognition for his Tabla skills. This early exposure in life laid the foundation for his future successes. For his musical finesse wasn’t just limited to Indian classical music. He also collaborated with many western musicians like – John McLaughlin, violinist L. Shankar, and percussionist T.H. ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram.
The collaboration was a blend of Indian classical music with Jazz, creating a fusion style which was unprecedented. This collaboration led to the formation of a music band named ‘Shakti,’ of which Hussain was a part of. It recently won the Grammy award earlier this year. Overall, Zakir Hussain with his band named ‘Shakti’ created mesmerising music that transcended cultural boundaries.
Awards And Recognitions
Zakir Hussain is one of the most celebrated musician in India. The Tabla maverick was awarded with India’s highest civilian honour. He was honoured with Padma Shri in 1988, Padma Bhushan in 2002 and Padma Vibhushan in 2023. These awards are a testament of his musical abilities and the respect he commands in the music world.
Internationally, Zakir Hussain has been bestowed with numerous accolades and honours. This includes the prestigious National Heritage Fellowship from the U.S National endowment for the Arts in 1999, which recognised his contribution to classical music. Then in 2009, he received his first Grammy award, as a part of the Mickey Hart’s Global Drum Project, which combined several international rhythms. Hussain’s musical career has earned him numerous Grammy Awards, most recently being in 2024. Thus solidifying his place as a global music legend.
Contributions To Cinema…
In addition to his accomplishments in classical music, Zakir Hussain also composed music for several films. He had composed the music for the film Vanaprastham, which was showcased in the Cannes film festival. In addition to this, he has also acted in and contributed to the soundtrack of movies like- Apocalypse Now (1979), Little Buddha (1993), and Heat and Dust (1983).
In fact, he had also acted in a TV commercial for Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Tea in 1990s. The “Wah Taj,” commercial remains etched in the memory of countless Indians. It featured Hussain, playing tabla and sipping his tea against the backdrop of the Taj Mahal. His charismatic presence in the ad along with his energetic head movements and smile has captivated the hearts of millions of Indians. The dialogue “Wah Ustad Wah!” and “Wah Taj” have become buzzwords which are most commonly used and still remembered in India.
Wah Taj Wah-One of the famous Ad of 1990s.
RIP- Legend
#Zakir_Hussain #zakirhussian#ZakirHussainPassesAway pic.twitter.com/HzCXAnTtf7
— Anshul Garg (@AnshulGarg1986) December 16, 2024
Apart from this, Hussain was also a passionate teacher. He had taught at prestigious universities like Stanford and Princeton. His achievements in the world of music and the impact he has left on countless fans and musicians is so great that words fall short. In fact, looking at his musical journey and life, one can only be mesmerized and exclaim- “Wah Ustad Wah!”