Zakir Hussain – Full Details
Who is Zakir Hussain
- Zakir Hussain is an internationally acclaimed tabla maestro, music composer, and percussionist from India.
- He is widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest tabla players, blending Indian classical music with global genres like jazz, fusion, and world music.
- He is the son of legendary tabla virtuoso Ustad Alla Rakha.
Early Life & Training
- Born: March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
- Trained under his father, Ustad Alla Rakha, from a young age.
- By the age of 12, he was already performing professionally.
- His early training combined strict classical discipline with an openness to new sounds.
Career Highlights
- Performed with classical legends like Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, and Shivkumar Sharma.
- Collaborated with global icons such as John McLaughlin, Mickey Hart, George Harrison, and Yo-Yo Ma.
- Founding member of the world-fusion group Shakti with John McLaughlin (guitar), L. Shankar (violin), and others.
- Known for blending Hindustani classical music with jazz, Western classical, flamenco, and African rhythms.
Awards & Recognition
- Padma Shri (1988) and Padma Bhushan (2002) from the Government of India.
- Grammy Award (1992) for the album Planet Drum with Mickey Hart.
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1990).
- National Heritage Fellowship (USA, 1999) – the highest honor for traditional artists in the U.S.
- Honored globally as a cultural ambassador of Indian classical music.
Contributions to Film & Music
- Composed music for films such as:
- In Custody (directed by Ismail Merchant)
- Vanaprastham (starring Mohanlal)
- The Perfect Murder
- Worked on background scores that merge tabla with cinematic soundscapes.
Legacy
- Zakir Hussain is more than a tabla player — he is a bridge between cultures, taking Indian rhythm to the global stage.
- Continues to perform worldwide, teaching and inspiring new generations of musicians.
- Seen as both a preserver of tradition and a pioneer of fusion music.
Quick Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zakir Hussain |
| Born | March 9, 1951 – Mumbai, India |
| Profession | Tabla Maestro, Composer, Percussionist |
| Father | Ustad Alla Rakha |
| Genres | Indian Classical, Fusion, World Music |
| Awards | Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Grammy, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award |
| Famous For | Mastery of tabla, Global collaborations, Shakti fusion band |
Instagram id link – @zakirhq9
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