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Shankar Mahadevan Honors Zakir Hussain: "My Journey Nothing Without Him"

On the late tabla maestro Zakir Hussain's 75th birth anniversary, singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan shared a heartfelt Instagram post celebrating their 25-year musical association. Mahadevan expressed he felt blessed to have spent decades playing, travelling, and learning from Hussain, stating his own journey would have been "nothing" without him. Zakir Hussain, widely regarded as one of the greatest tabla players, was a recipient of numerous awards including four Grammys and India's Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship. Shankar Mahadevan, part of the Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy trio, is a celebrated Bollywood composer and singer known for hits like "Mitwa" and "Kajra Re."

Key Points: Shankar Mahadevan's Tribute to Zakir Hussain on 75th Birthday

  • Heartfelt tribute on 75th birth anniversary
  • Celebrated 25-year musical partnership
  • Zakir Hussain was a Grammy-winning tabla legend
  • Mahadevan is a renowned singer-composer
2 min read

Shankar Mahadevan to late Zakir Hussain: My musical journey would've been nothing without him

Shankar Mahadevan pens heartfelt note for late tabla legend Zakir Hussain on his 75th birth anniversary, celebrating 25 years of musical partnership.

"my musical journey would have been nothing without him - Shankar Mahadevan"

Mumbai, March 10

On late tabla maestro Zakir Hussain's 75th birth anniversary on Tuesday, singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan penned a heartfelt note celebrating their long musical association, saying he feels blessed to have spent 25 years playing, travelling and learning from the legendary percussionist.

Mahadevan took to Instagram, where he shared a picture featuring him and the late tabla maestro. In the image, Zakir Hussain could be seen tying a band on Mahadevan's hand.

Mahadevan captioned the post: "Am so blessed to have spent 25 years playing , travelling , learning from him ... my musical journey would have been nothing without him ! Happy 75th birthday @zakirhq9 .. you are always there with us !! Love you."

Ustad Zakir Hussain Qureshi was the eldest son of esteemed tabla player Alla Rakha. He was widely regarded as the greatest tabla player of his generation and one of its finest percussionists.

He was awarded the United States National Endowment for the Arts' National Heritage Fellowship, the highest award given to traditional artists and musicians. He was also given the Government of India's Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1990 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship, Ratna Sadsya, in 2018. Hussain received nine Grammy Award nominations, winning four times, including three in 2024.

Hussain died aged 73 on in December 2024 in California, from complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Talking about Mahadevan, who is part of the Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy trio that makes music for Indian films. He got his early fame as an Indi-pop star with his fusion of Carnatic, Hindustani, and Jazz. At that time, his non-film album, Breathless topped the Indian music charts in 1998. He won one Grammy Award and received three nominations.

Mahadevan has lent his vocal prowess and compositions to many Bollywood songs that blend classical depth with modern energy, which includes "Mitwa" from Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, "Kajra Re" from Bunty Aur Babli, and "Gallan Goodiyaan" from Dil Dhadakne Do to name a few.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Both are giants of Indian music. The collaboration between classical masters like Hussain and contemporary artists like Mahadevan is what keeps our music evolving yet rooted. "Breathless" was my introduction to Shankar ji, and it blew my mind!
A
Aman W
While the tribute is touching, I sometimes feel articles like this focus only on the celebrity connections. There are so many unsung gurus across India who shape artists. Ustadji's legacy is immense, but let's also remember the local music teachers.
S
Sarah B
As someone who discovered Indian fusion music while studying abroad, artists like these are global ambassadors. Zakir Hussain's Grammy wins brought so much pride. Shankar Mahadevan's note shows the beautiful guru-shishya parampara that is unique to India.
K
Karthik V
️ 2024 was a sad year for music. Losing Ustad Zakir Hussain was a colossal loss. But seeing his students and collaborators keep his teachings alive is the real tribute. More institutions should document these interactions for future generations.
N
Nisha Z
The part about him tying a band on Shankar's hand... it's these small gestures between artists that speak volumes. It's not just about the music they created, but the bond they shared. True legends, both of them.

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