The Maestro of Tabla Continues to Grow His Legend
Zakir Hussain is a man of no introduction — he is widely regarded as one of the greatest percussionists of all time and has been an inspiration to musicians across the world. The Tabla virtuoso has been awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, on this Republic Day. Hussain was born in 1951 in Mumbai, India and started playing the tabla at the age of three. He was trained by his father, Ustad Allarakha, who was also a renowned tabla player. Hussain went on to become a master of the instrument, combining traditional techniques with a modern, innovative approach. Throughout his career, Hussain has collaborated with musicians from various genres, including Indian classical, jazz, and world music. He has performed at major festivals and venues around the world, including the Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall, and the Kennedy Center. In addition to his performing career, Hussain is also an educator and has established the Zakir Hussain College of Music in Mumbai. The college provides training in Indian classical music and aims to preserve the tradition of Indian music for future generations. Hussain has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the world of music. In addition to the Padma Vibhushan, he has received the National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and the Padma Shri. Zakir Hussain is a true icon in the world of Indian classical music. His innovative style and passion for music have inspired generations of musicians and will continue to do so for years to come.