Revealed: Why Tabla maestro late Ustad Zakir Hussain didn't cut his hair!

Hussain, whose unparalleled contribution to the music industry remains unmatched, left the world in mourning with his passing in the early hours of December 16, 2024. The tabla maestro, known globally for his artistry, succumbed to complications arising from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a rare and progressive lung condition. He was hospitalised in San Francisco and breathed his last at the age of 73. In the wake of this heartbreaking loss, several heartwarming anecdotes about the legendary musician have resurfaced. One such story highlights the origins and charm of his iconic long hair. Husain was inimitable and so was his unique hairstyle, here's a little story behind his iconic hairstyle.

While Zakir Hussain's mastery over the tabla was widely recognised, he also became a household name through his appearance in a now-iconic advertisement for Taj Mahal Tea. The ad showcased him effortlessly playing the tabla, with his mesmerising face and signature curly hair capturing the audience's hearts. Such was the impact of the advertisement that fans insisted he should never cut his hair. Even the tea brand he represented was adamant about preserving his distinct look.
In an old interview with Mid-Day, Zakir Hussain once reflected on the advertisement and his hair's growing popularity. He humorously remarked that while the 30-second commercial did not allow him to showcase his full musical prowess, he could certainly move his head and, with it, his now-famous curls. He added, with a hint of playful resignation, that despite his hair beginning to thin, he was discouraged from cutting it as he was the brand's goodwill ambassador. The maestro reportedly said:

“I could not showcase my musical skills in 30 seconds, but I could make my head move. I am their goodwill ambassador, and I’m not allowed to cut my hair even though it’s falling out.”
In another candid conversation, Zakir Hussain opened up about his choice to grow his hair long and how it became part of his identity. He shared that during his college years, he initially kept short hair but was fascinated by hippies who wore theirs long. At the time, financial constraints also played a role. Earning just $25 a week in his first year of college, he found regular visits to the salon unaffordable. Instead, he allowed his hair to grow freely. He also revealed being inspired by musicians from the rock ‘n’ roll group Shanti, with whom he performed. Recalling this period, Zakir Hussain said:
“I had short hair, but I noticed some hippies with long hair. I couldn’t afford haircuts with my earnings of just $25 (Rs 2120) a week during my first year in college. So I started letting it grow. I was also inspired by other artists in the rock ‘n’ roll group Shanti, where I performed.”

Beyond the aesthetics, Zakir Hussain believed that music should not merely be heard but also felt and visualised. In an old interview, he shared his philosophy that music is an immersive experience, one that should engage all the senses. He explained how he expressed his music not just through sound but also through his gestures, his face, and, of course, his hair. The maestro believed that visualising emotions was a vital part of his performances, adding an extra layer of connection with his audience. As he once remarked:
“When I express music, I try to make it visual. I use my hands, my face, and my hair to convey the emotion behind the music.”

Zakir Hussain’s long hair, much like his music, became an inseparable part of his persona. It was a symbol of his individuality, his artistry, and his deep connection to the rhythms of life. While his passing marks the end of an era, his legacy, in music, memories, and stories will continue to inspire generations to come.