Zakir Hussain Allarakha Qureshi ( 9 March 1951 – 15 December 2024) was an Indian Table player, composer, percussionist, music producer & film actor. He was known for bringing classical Indian music to a global audience.
He was the eldest son of tabla player Alla Rakha. He had won four Grammy awards. He was awarded Padma Shri (1988), Sangeet Natak Academy Award (1990), Padma Bhushan (2002) & Padma Vibhushan (2023).
When he modelled for a tea brand.”Wah, Taj boliye” for Taj mahal tea. After his tabla, someone said, ‘Wah, Ustad!’ & he would say ‘Wah, Taj boliye!’ with his unique smile & shaking his curly locks.
What others proceeding him had done, was being elusive. un approachable. He brought his tabla to the masses. Many were better than him & so many others will follow, but he remains at the very top!
Harmonium & tabla were the instruments accompanying a recital of dance or a vocal concert. Zakir Ustad was the one who popularised the instrument & showed it could stand alone.
His tabla recitals were a treat to the ears. Trained under the watchful eyes of his father, he never missed a beat! He did not dare. With Hindustani music he crossed over jazz music, fusion with world music.
A versatile artist, par excellence.
As Unni says, ‘Will be missed across borders!’
Asian Entertainment 