Goodbye Zakir Bhai. You will always be our guide

The master-percussionist made the tabla his own in such a way that the modest drum set carefully followed his instructions and was always ready to carry out his experiments. But his music wasn’t just about him; He worked tirelessly to establish a close-knit family of artists. Over the years, the family continued to grow. Most of its members were promising enthusiasts, taking inspiration from their Zakir BrotherWanted to connect with a music that shuns labels and hates divisions. Thus, from a prolific and pioneering artist, Zakir Hussain transformed into a compassionate guru, powerful influencer and a guiding force. His demise is being mourned not only by his family, colleagues and fans, but also by a vast and formidable line of young musicians committed to keeping his creative vision alive.

Kanjira exponent Selva Ganesh. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Whatever I am today is because of him. Had he not met my Ghatam Guni father Vikku Vinayakram and decided to make him a part of Shakti, our family of musicians would never have been on the world stage. My father and I are exponents of musical instruments, which in the Carnatic language are called sub pakkavadyam (Secondary Accessories). Zakir Brother We were taken out of our allotted space behind the main cast in Kutchi and we were placed alongside international stars with artists from different genres. Since then, we have never looked back.

Selva Ganesh, Kanjira

Sai Shravanam Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

I was seven years old when the Taj Mahal Chai jingle, which introduced Zakir Hussain to many people in the South, aired on television. Despite being in Madras, a city steeped in Carnatic music, the sound of Ustadji’s tabla ruled my perception of sound.

My self-learning journey began by listening to his recordings on loop and reproducing them through trial and error. My ears were the only means of learning. I had no way of ‘seeing’ him play, except when Doordarshan telecasted his concerts.

Two years later, I was part of a group of children performing before Ustadji’s concert with the mandolin U Srinivas at the Music Academy. I saw that he was paying attention to my playing while his hands kept playing the beat. Later, he saw me in a corner and picked me up in his arms. “Who are you learning Tabla from?” he asked. I pointed towards him. His eyebrows rose, and he said to my mother: “Bring him to Bombay and my father and I will personally teach him.” Our family could not accept it, but his words became my inspiration.

A decade later, dancer Chitra Visweswaran and her husband took me to Bombay for a concert, and then to their home. I told him why I couldn’t go to Bombay then, and he said: “Sound is the greatest teacher. You don’t need to meet me. I will always be your teacher.” was ours Manasega (From the heart) Guru-disciple bond.

If I had known he was coming to town, I would have waited outside the Taj Coromandel, where he always stayed. He would ask how long I was waiting, and ask me to bring my equipment. They appreciated how I maintained its sound, and would mostly use it for their concerts. he will teach me something ballsAnd improve my self-education.

When I started my journey in Dhvani, he blessed me and said: “Dhanvi has always guided you. You will serve Dhvani for the rest of your life.” When my Resound India studio completed 15 years, he asked me to bring a paper and pencil, and write a note of encouragement. He also taught me a lesson for life: ‘Artists are invisible. Sound is eternal’.

Sai Sravanam, music producer and sound engineer

Flute player Rakesh Chaurasia. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

He deeply influenced my outlook, thought process and presentation. He would often guide me on which raga to play or how to play certain notes, taking examples from great artists like my guru and uncle Pandit. Hari Prasad Chaurasia or Kishori Amonkar. But he will never impose his opinions on you. He will guide you only when he feels you need it. His life and art were based entirely on sharing and caring. I was extremely impressed by the way he made me a part of the 2024 GRAMMY winning group, which included him, American banjo player Béla Fleck and American bassist Edgar Meyer. We won for ‘Pashto’ and ‘As We Speak’. While these works were being conceived, I was giving concerts in America. He wanted Bella and Edgar to hear me play and soon we were all performing together. And then, as they say, the rest is history.

Rakesh Chaurasia, flute

Dhol Shivmani | Photo courtesy: G. statue

Zakir Brother He noticed my drumming talent and invited me to share the stage with him. Since then, his Rhythm Masterclasses have helped me reach heights I never imagined I could reach. He taught me how to hold myself back in a collaborative set-up. My bond with him was the same as that with God – one of devotion and dedication.

Shivmani Drum

Violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan Photo Courtesy: Nagara Gopal

Over the last 15 years that I have been performing with Zakirji, I have gained valuable insights about Indian classical and world music. I was a part of many of his international collaborations and toured extensively around the world with him. He had the amazing ability to keep every member of his music team comfortable and happy. He knew that was the only way you could get the best out of someone. When Shankar Mahadevan, Selva Ganesh and I came to receive the Grammy as part of Shakti in February this year, we never imagined that this would be Zakirji’s priceless gift to us.

Ganesh Rajagopalan, violin

Violinist Kala Ramnath Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Affectionate, polite and sympathetic. For me, these three words define the man behind Ustad. Having lost my father in my childhood, I always looked to Zakirji to navigate the maze of life and art. I am always looking forward to promote new talent, I remember how he inspired me to play in PT. Ravi Shankar’s 75th birthday was celebrated. I can also never forget what he said to me when I started performing, ‘Don’t try to copy the style of your aunt (renowned violinist N. Rajam), adopt a different approach. It inspired me to think and create my own path.

Kala Ramnath, violin

Filmmaker Vipin Sharma Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

I have some wonderful memories of the time we spent together on a small island called Batam in Indonesia! monkey Man We started with a prayer, which we all said in our hearts to our highest powers and lit the lamps at our first place, which was the temple of Ardhanarishwar, where the sequence between Dev Patel and Zakir took place. Brother was shot. He came from LA for shooting. He quarantined himself for more than a week and joined us in this ritual.

Zakir on the sets of monkey Man
Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

It was incredible to see him playing tabla the whole day for the sequence. He kept us all engaged with the rhythm he created. Many people might not have known who he was but they were all mesmerized. I sat right next to him and listened to him play almost non-stop. He barely moved from his place. He kept playing whether the camera was on or not. This shows how big a part the two little drums were in his life. Almost an extension of his body. He spoke very little. His music did all the talking. I am sure Zakir wherever you are Brother You are creating magic with your hands! The music should go on and it will remain in your memory forever.

Vipin Sharma Actor and Film Producer