Ustad Zakir Hussain could make 'instant connection with fellow artists, audience': Pandit Ravindra Yavagal

Artists worldwide are mourning the loss of Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, affectionately known as 'Zakir Bhai.' Musicians in Karnataka, too, feel the void left behind by this pioneer of Indian classical and fusion music.

Zakir Hussian has collaborated with various artists across India and the world, Karnataka being no exception. The Ustad’s tabla is on display at the Star Gallery exhibit at the Indian Music Experience Museum in the city. He performed at the inauguration of the museum and gifted his Tabla to the museum on July 27, 2019.

Preema, Director of Indian Music Experience, told DH that she grew up listening to the music of the iconic Tabla virtuoso. “He made Indian classical music relatable and accessible to the masses, and his contributions to the world of music in India and abroad are legendary. His music and legacy will live on for generations to come,” she added.

The renowned vocalist Pandit Parameshwar Hegde, also having performed with Zakir Hussain, said, "He is probably the greatest exporter of Indian artistry to the world." "There are others like Pandit Ravishankar, but he remains at the top," he said about his legacy. “He redefined the tabla as a solo instrument and innovatively used microphone technology to achieve his signature sound,” he added.

Pandit Ravindra Yavagal, another tabla maestro, said that his speciality was his "ability to make an instant connection with his fellow artists or with the audience". "It was a god given gift he had," he remarked.

Pandit Ravindra Yavagal likened Zakir Hussain to Vali from the Ramayana, for his ability to gauge his fellow musicians and seemingly take on half their abilities and read their minds. "His other quality was compatibility. He was interested in everything; he played the drums, piano and also composed music for cinemas," he concluded.

Pandit Rajgopal Kallurkar, told DH, hat Zakir Hussain brought brand value and respect to the tabla and all tabla players owe their careers to him. "He was a truly global artist and pushed the boundaries of mainstream Indian classical music. In all my interactions with him, he seemed like a very chilled out and down-to-earth person,” he said. “I listened to his music CDs until they cracked. It is a deeply personal loss for all musicians. It is hard to express in words the feeling I have from his loss," he added.