Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain: Remembering life & legacy of this global music legend

Child Prodigy

Zakir Hussain began his tabla training at the tender age of three under the guidance of his father, Ustad Alla Rakha, and gave his first public performance at just seven years old

International Debut at 12

He embarked on his first international concert tour at the age of twelve, introducing Indian classical music to audiences around the globe

Academic Background

In addition to his musical prowess, Hussain holds a bachelors degree in economics, showcasing a blend of academic and artistic talent

Grammy Awards

Hussain has won multiple Grammy Awards, including one for his collaboration on the album Planet Drum with Mickey Hart, making him one of the few Indian musicians to achieve such recognition

Film Contributions

Beyond music, he made significant contributions to cinema as a composer for films like Heat and Dust and In Custody, and even acted in several movies, including Saaz and Manto.

Global Collaborations

Hussain has collaborated with a variety of international artists across genres, including George Harrison and Yo-Yo Ma, effectively bridging Eastern and Western musical traditions

Cultural Ambassador

His work has transcended traditional boundaries; he was invited by President Obama to perform at the International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert in 2016, highlighting his role as a cultural ambassador

Philosophy on Music

Hussain believes that music should be the focal point of an event and does not perform at private gatherings or corporate events where socializing is the primary purpose

Legacy of Teaching

He is also committed to education and has been involved in teaching tabla to numerous students around the world, ensuring that the art form continues to thrive

Recognition and Awards

In addition to his Grammy wins, Hussain received prestigious awards such as the Padma Shri (1988), Padma Bhushan (2002), and Padma Vibhushan (2023) from the Government of India for his contributions to music