Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain may no longer be with us, but the rhythm of his tabla still resonates worldwide. Zakir was merely 3 years old when he first played the tabla, and with four years of dedicated practice, he mastered this art. His father, Ustad Alla Rakha, himself a legendary tabla maestro, played an instrumental role in shaping Zakir Hussain's illustrious career.
Under his father's guidance, Zakir became a wizard of tabla beats. Their exceptional chemistry was immortalized in a feature by India Today Magazine published on March 15, 1988. The article included numerous exclusive photos of father and son, which have now been rediscovered from the archives, bringing them back to the public eye.
Source: aajtak
Five Decades of Talent: A Father's Legacy
For nearly five decades, Alla Rakha enchanted tabla enthusiasts worldwide with his mastery of rhythm and percussion, elevating tabla performance to an unparalleled artistic expression. His son, Zakir Hussain, soon followed in his remarkable footsteps, demonstrating his own brilliance through relentless dedication and passion.
Source: aajtak
Tabla Practice: Conversations from the Heart
On the rooftop of their Mumbai apartment, father and son would sit across from each other, producing enchanting sounds that dazzled. Zakir, during his practice sessions with his father, would be seen with his curly locks moving to the rhythm. They often communicated with mere glances, as if understanding each other's heartbeats, punctuating their conversations with tabla beats.
Source: aajtak
A Pioneering Performance at Age 11
Zakir Hussain pursued his education at St. Michael's School in Mumbai, and graduated from St. Xavier's College. At the tender age of 11, he made his first public performance in the United States. In 1973, he launched his debut album, 'Living in the Material World.' Former U.S. President Barack Obama invited Zakir to participate in the All-Star Global Concert at the White House, highlighting his global influence and acclaim.
