Written by Shrinivas Joshi
I heard something about Zakir Hussain which I don’t want to hear. I hope it is not true. If the news is true, it is saddening. He was looking quite fit and was at the peak of his career.
I have heard the great tabla maestro at various places. Even for those who do not like or understand classical music or have any love for tabla, he managed to get them interested and popularised the instrument for the general public. Zakir Sahab was conscious of this right till his end.
In the 1980s, when we lived in a rented house, Zakir Sahab used to visit us and have meals with us. He was a part of the Sawai Gandharva festival right from the beginning for 25 years. He would be present on all three days.
When I was 11 years old, there was a time when my father, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, was performing. Zakir Sahab’s performance was immediately before my father’s slot. Zakir Sahab, who loved to talk to small kids, chatted away with me in the green room.
He made a mark on everybody, from the general public to music connoisseurs to people across India and the Western world. He was a source of inspiration for all tabla enthusiasts and aficionados. I pay my humble respects to him. Now, we won’t be able to see him perform live.
Shrinivas Joshi is an Indian classical vocalist. He is based in Pune.
Why should you buy our Subscription?
You want to be the smartest in the room.
You want access to our award-winning journalism.
You don’t want to be misled and misinformed.
Choose your subscription package
Click here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories
