DH Web Desk
Zakir’s love for the tabla took him to unprecedented heights. At only 11 years old, he held his first concert in the US. In 2016, he scripted history by becoming the first Indian musician to perform at the White House, following an invitation from President Barack Obama.
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During a performance with Mickey Hart, Mickey tried to challenge Zakir with complex rhythms. In response, Zakir skillfully created intricate patterns that even Mickey struggled to keep up with. The friendly “battle” ended with Mickey saying, “You’re not from this planet, Zakir!
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During a concert in India, Zakir Hussain’s tabla skin was damaged mid-performance. Instead of pausing, Zakir brilliantly improvised, telling a rhythmic story with his beats and gestures to convey the moment.
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In one of his concerts in LA, a sudden power outage cast the hall into darkness. Unfazed, Zakir continued playing the tabla with the rhythms echoing through the silent auditorium. The impressed audience gave him a standing ovation for his performance.
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One of the most unusual performances of his career, Zakir Hussain once played for a tiger at a zoo. He was told the tiger would react to rhythms, and as he played, the tiger moved in time with the beats. Zakir jokingly commented, "It’s the most attentive audience I’ve ever had."
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