The music world is remembering Ustad Zakir Hussain not just for his extraordinary talent but also for the profound legacy of rhythm and devotion he inherited from his father, the legendary Ustad Alla Rakha.
According to an incident narrated by Zakir Hussain himself during an interview eight years ago, his father welcomed him into the world in a truly unique manner. Traditionally, fathers in Muslim households recite prayers into the ears of their newborns. However, when Zakir was handed to Alla Rakha for the first time, he chose to whisper tabla rhythms instead of prayers.
According to PTI, recounting the moment, Zakir had shared, “My dad held me in his arms and put his lips close to my ear. Instead of reciting prayers, he recited tabla rhythms. My mother was livid and asked, ‘What are you doing? You’re supposed to say prayers, not rhythms.’ My father calmly replied, ‘These are my prayers. I am the worshipper of Goddess Saraswati and Lord Ganesh.’”
Alla Rakha’s response was a reflection of his deep reverence for music as a divine force. He explained that his rhythms were not mere beats but prayers he had learned from his own teachers and wanted to pass on to his son. This profound act symbolized his belief that music transcends boundaries of religion and culture, embodying a spiritual connection with the universe.
Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Zakir Hussain grew up under the tutelage of his father, eventually becoming one of the greatest tabla players the world has ever known. His illustrious career was decorated with honors, including the Padma Shri in 1988, Padma Bhushan in 2002, and Padma Vibhushan in 2023.
Zakir Hussain passed away recently in San Francisco due to complications arising from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. His passing leaves behind an irreplaceable void in the world of music.
Meanwhile, several celebrities have mourned the loss of the musical legend. Kamal Haasan Tweeted, “Zakir Bhai! He left too soon. Yet we are grateful for the times he gave us and what he left behind in the form of his art. Goodbye and Thank you. #ZakirHussain."
AR Rahman Tweeted, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. Zakir Bhai was an inspiration, a towering personality who elevated the tabla to global acclaim. His loss is immeasurable for all of us. I regret not being able to collaborate with him as much as we did decades ago, though we had planned an album together. You shall be truly missed. May his family and his countless students worldwide find the strength to bear this immense loss .”
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