Ustad Zakir Hussain: Lesser Known Facts About The Tabla Master

Zakir Hussain, renowned globally for his exceptional skills on the tabla, was born on March 9, 1951, and has since established himself as India's premier percussion artist. Not only has he made a significant mark as a performer, but his talents extend to composing music for films and even acting. Let's explore some remarkable aspects of his life and career that highlight his contributions to music.

One of Hussain's most notable achievements came early in his career when he was part of the rhythm band Planet Drum. Collaborating with Mickey Hart, Sikiru Adepoju, and Giovanni Hidalgo, the band's debut album clinched the 1992 Grammy Award for Best World Music Album, marking the first Grammy awarded in this category. Their groundbreaking work did not stop there; the band reunited after 15 years to release the Global Drum Project on October 2, 2007. This album further cemented their influence on the world music stage by winning the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album in 2009.

Hussain's cinematic contributions are as impressive as his musical accolades. His first venture into film was with the romantic drama "Heat and Dust" in 1983, where he not only composed the music but also played a role, under the production of Ismail Merchant. His collaborations with Merchant continued with two more films, "In Custody" (1993) and "The Mystic Masseur" (2001). Hussain's versatility also saw him working with legendary filmmaker Francis Coppola on the iconic film "Apocalypse Now" (1979).

Beyond his accolades and film contributions, Hussain's early life and upbringing played a crucial role in shaping his musical journey. Being the son of the legendary tabla player Alla Rakha, Hussain was introduced to the world of percussion at a tender age. His father taught him to play the pakhawaj when he was just three years old, setting the foundation for his illustrious career. This early exposure to music, coupled with his father's guidance, propelled Hussain into the spotlight from a young age.

Hussain's pioneering efforts in bridging the gap between traditional Indian music and other global genres have earned him widespread acclaim. He introduced elements of jazz fusion and world music into the Hindustani gharana, revolutionizing Indian rhythm scores. This fusion of styles has not only expanded the reach of Indian music but has also contributed to its evolution in the contemporary music scene.

His remarkable talent and contributions to music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1988, Hussain was awarded the Padma Shri, followed by the Padma Bhushan in 2002, acknowledging his significant contributions to Indian music. Additionally, he was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1990. In a testament to his influence on the global music stage, the United States National Endowment for the Arts conferred upon him the National Heritage Fellowship in 1999, the highest honor in the USA for traditional artists and musicians.