Love to be called Zakir Bhai: Zakir Hussain

He may have conquered the world with his rhythmic fingers moving at a breathtaking speed on the tabla, but Ustad Zakir Hussain fondly remembers the lessons of humility taught by his father. He says, “Once upon a time I was a student and till today I continue to be a student because music is an ocean and a never-ending journey. I love to be called Zakir Bhai by one and all and not Ustadji.”

Upbeat about receiving the San Francisco JAZZ 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award for his global artistic vision and contributions to modern music, Zakir Bhai shares, “It’s very nice to receive an award from an institution which has Jazz masters and people who matter in art and culture on its panel. It’s a very humble feeling to receive this award even though I do not play their genre of music, but have done enough to be considered as one amongst them.” Talking about his own instrument, the tabla maestro says, “As far as the tabla is concerned, it’s one of those rare percussion instruments which can not only provide rhythmic support to an instrumental concert or a dance performance, but can also create rich melodic tones all along.” Further explaining how rhythm is an integral part of our existence, Zakir Bhai says, “Rhythm and numbers go hand in hand. The heart beats in a rhythm. So it’s all there in our life.”

Thanks to Zakir Bhai’s achievement, as well as those of several other proponents of music in the country, Indian music has evolved as one of the principal forms of music world-over. “We are recognised as a nation of rich heritage and culture. India was never known for swanky cars, credit cards or big bank balances. I am very lucky and proud to be a part of this journey where our music, yoga and meditation are assimilated by one and all. Therefore, my message to the younger generation is to feel proud about what our nation has to offer and continue their interest in all Indian art forms that bring in an elevated experience,” he expresses. As Zakir Bhai gets ready to come to Hyderabad for his concert with young sitar player Niladri Kumar, he is all praise for him. “Niladri is a genius musician. I look forward to this performance,” states the virtuoso.   

Speaking of Hyderabad, Zakir Bhai can never forget his first flight to Hyderabad on a two-engine aircraft that landed at the Begumpet airport. He was flying to the city for a concert at Ravindra Bharati back then. “Hyderabad has had a rich tradition of classical music. It was the home to the doyen of Hindustani music, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and Tabla Nawaz Shaik Dawood. Pandit Jasraj and his brother Pandit Maniram have also etched their music in the minds of music connoisseurs of the city,” he shares. Recalling some of his memorable experiences in the city, Zakir Bhai continues, “I remember having spent a full summer in the Khairatabad area at a friend’s place a long time back. It’s the city where I shot my first film Heat and Dust and remember staying at a spacious area called Rock Castle.”