Indian households changed dramatically in the 80’s with the entrance of a television set in the drawing room along with a single state run channel – Doordarshan. The entire nation started absorbing the same content and it started shaping up a nation’s tastes and consciousness.

It also created some household stars and Ustad Zakir Hussain became the leading one, thanks to two famous pieces – a) the brilliant Baje Sargam based on Raga Desh which had all the great classical musicians rendering the brilliant composition showcasing national unity (Zakir Sb. performed with his father, the great Ustad Allah Rakha Khan) and b) the now legendary ad-campaign for Taj Mahal tea with the table maestro saying, ‘Arre Huzoor, Wah Taj Boliye!’. Add that unique and heartfelt smile, and the man became one of India’s most lovable and known personalities even by those who knew nothing about classical music.

Born on 9^th March, 1951, in Mumbai, Zakir Hussain, a child prodigy, inherited the rhythm of the tabla from his father and guru, the legendary Ustad Alla Rakha. He quickly rose to prominence, mesmerizing audiences with his technical mastery, creativity, performing with stalwarts like Pt. Ravi Shankar and Pt. Hari Prasad Chaurasia.

Zakir Hussain's contributions extend far beyond the classical and Indian stage. As a global collaborator, he forged new musical paths through projects like Shakti (with John McLaughlin), Planet Drum with Mickey Hart (Grateful Dead), and numerous partnerships with luminaries such as George Harrison, Van Morrison and Bela Fleck. His work seamlessly bridged the worlds of Indian classical, jazz, rock, and world music, earning him multiple Grammy Awards and widespread acclaim. In fact, he also dabbled with Bollywood scoring some great songs including a brilliant album – ‘Saaz’.

His accolades include India’s Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, alongside a host of international honors that recognized his extraordinary ability to unite cultures through music. Despite his global fame, Zakir Hussain remained deeply connected to his roots, mentoring countless students and preserving the heritage of Indian classical music through his performances, lectures, and compositions.

Personally, I have had the great fortune of listening to him live in a pure classical space as well as the Shakti phase, several times. What I will miss the most are those live performances wherein his blissful smile, while having fun with music shined like the first ray of sunlight, warm, honest and eloquent.

Travel well, Ustad.

By Meraj Hasan

Meraj Hasan ‘meem’ is a Dubai based business and marketing consultant, poet and a music journalist. He also has a wide range of vinyl in his collection ranging from jazz, blues, classical, rock, pop and old Hindi film albums. Meraj's first book of poems, ‘Khyaalon Ki Tapri’ was an instant bestseller and he has just released his second book of poems, 'Boondon Si Baatein'.

Photos courtesy: Verus Ferreira