When I first met my Guru, Ustad Zakir Hussain (Zakirbhai as I fondly called him), I was just five years old. My family had organised a musical programme of Pandit Jasraj and Ustad Zakir Hussain to honour the memory of my maternal grandmother, Sarojben Vyas. Backstage, I wandered into the green room, captivated by the presence of a tabla. Unable to resist, I began playing it.

Zakirbhai entered the room, curious about who was playing his instrument. He asked, “Aapko bajana hai?” (Do you want to play it?) With innocent determination, I said, “Yes.” Smiling, he sat me on his lap, placed my tiny hands on the Tabla, and showed me how to play. Little did I know that this moment would forever change my life. Ustad Zakir Hussain became the first to place my hands on the Tabla, setting me on a path of musical devotion and excellence.

Years later, at the age of 11, I had the courage to ask my Gurus, Ustad Alla Rakha and Ustad Zakir Hussain, to be strict with me, to expect the highest standards, and to train me with discipline so that I could strive to be the best. Their guidance was rigorous yet nurturing, shaping me into the musician I am today. Their wealth of knowledge and their exacting nature taught me the significance of discipline, precision and dedication to my craft.

When I First Performed With ‘Zakirbhai’

My first performance with Zakirbhai at the age of 15 holds a very special place in my heart for the incredible learnings I received. Initially, I thought I was merely accompanying him on his travels. To my astonishment, he informed me that I would perform with a Kathak dancer in his stead as he had to leave due to an urgent commitment. I practised all night with the Kathak artiste to prepare for the show. The next day, he surprised me again, choosing to stay and inviting me to accompany him during his Tabla solo. When I asked him which taal he intended to present, he smiled and asked my age. “Fifteen” I replied. So he chose to perform a 15-matra Pancham Sawari Taal, a complex rhythm cycle I had never even heard before. At that moment, I learned to be quick-witted, to adapt, to think on my feet, be prepared to deal with any exigency and be flexible to work with any musician or genre.

I vividly remember accompanying him to late-night concerts. After dinner, we would sit together and he would ask me for an analysis of his performance. While I felt I was in no position to judge such a great master, this was actually his style of teaching—ensuring I was paying attention, being quick-witted and staying attuned to every nuance. Then, he would recite a composition just once and then tell me he expected it to be perfected by the next morning. These formative experiences under his guidance have been invaluable to my growth as a musician.

‘Are You Still Practising’?

Another cherished memory is when he taught me the importance of balance between the left and right hand on the Tabla. He asked me to practise the simple Theka of Teen Taal for a couple of hours and nothing else until he returned. I practised diligently all day, but he didn’t return until quite late. I came back the next day and repeated the exercise. On the third day, he finally appeared and asked quizzically, “Are you still practising this?” When I told him that I was, he smiled and said, “Good. Let’s have lunch together, and then I’ll see what you’ve practised.”

Zakirbhai was the inspirational powerhouse behind several of my innovative creations: Stree Shakti (India’s first all-girl band), Ramayan on Tabla and Tabla Jugalbandi. In fact, my fusion albums, Get Recharged and Recharge Plus are all dedicated to him because of the way he made percussion an additional voice.

His yearly Tabla retreats in the US were a goldmine of knowledge. In just one week, he would impart so much wisdom that it would take an entire year to assimilate and practice what he had taught.

For me, Zakirbhai was not just a Guru but also an elder brother, who I cherished tying Rakhi to every year. He had an incredible sense of humour, a treasure trove of anecdotes, and an innate ability to make learning joyful.

His compliment in 2019, “Hats off to Anuradha Pal for being one of the earliest ones to break out, without worrying about the social repercussions,” remains one of the greatest acknowledgements I have ever received. It inspires me to push boundaries and work harder every day, carrying forward the legacy of my legendary Gurus.

His passing remains a huge personal loss, leaving a void that nothing can fill. I carry his teachings with me in every performance and in every moment of life. Zakirbhai, his music and persona are immortal and his legacy will remain a beacon of light for countless musicians and music lovers around the world.

(Pt. Anuradha Pal is an internationally acclaimed and decorated tabla player, who trained under Ustad Zakir Hussain and Ustad Alla Rakha. In 1996, she founded Stree Shakti, one of India’s first all-female classical music ensembles.)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author

Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, the legend known for his ‘dancing fingers’, died at 73 in a San Francisco hospital early Monday. He was suffering from complications caused by a chronic lung disease, his family said in a statement.

“He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come,” the statement read.

Zakir Hussain had been in hospital for the past two weeks and was shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after his condition deteriorated.

According to his sister, Khurshid Aulia, the music legend died “very peacefully”.

Zakir Hussain’s death marks the end of an era in the world of music.

Born on March 9, 1951, to a family of musical excellence, Zakir Hussain was the eldest son of legendary tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha and a child prodigy, by all accounts.

The tabla virtuoso began his professional career at the age of 12, accompanying Indian classical musicians. Years of discipline and training were peppered by childish “escape attempts” that always ended at home – and a good sounding off from his mother – as Zakir Hussain realised that the future he wanted started at home.

By 18, he was already performing on international stages. As he won acclaim for his accompaniment, his dazzling solo performances, and pioneering collaborative work to develop a dialogue between North and South Indian musicians, the status of the table soared, both in India and across the world.

Some of his unique and historic collaborations include Shakti, Remember Shakti, Masters of Percussion, Planet Drum and Global Drum Project with Mickey Hart, and Tabla Beat Science, among others.

Zakir Hussain’s work was not just confined to classical music. He has also collaborated with some of the greatest names in music across genres such as George Harrison, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and jazz musician Herbie Hancock.

The tabla maestro has received several honorary doctorates. In 2019, he received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, India’s highest honour for artists. 

Earlier this year, Zakir Hussain became the first musician from India to receive three Grammy awards at one time. He received Grammys for Best Global Music Album, Best Global Music Performance, and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.

Across social media platforms, messages of grief and admiration for the legend have been pouring in. Musicians, artists, and fans from around the globe have expressed their sorrow, celebrating the legacy of a man whose artistry transcended borders.

Renowned sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan, who had many collaborations with Zakir Hussain, wrote on X, “Words fail me at this point. I am completely heartbroken and devastated to hear about Zakir Bhai. Ustad Zakir Hussain was a phenomenon. He was indeed one of the most loved musicians the world saw.”

In his last social media post, Zakir Hussain had shared a video capturing the essence of the fall season in the US back in October. “Trees, changing colours, all colours, gently swaying in the wind… So beautiful to watch.. The movement is so graceful, so unbelievable. I wanna walk out here… “

In the caption, he wrote, “Just sharing a wonder moment.”