Khuda Hafiz, Ustad ji.
Zakir Hussain ji left us on the 15th Dec 2024.
To a kid from small town India, growing up in a non musical family, he was Wah Ustad from the Taj Mahal ad.
But there was something in his eyes. A twinkle, you could call it. Like a mischievous kid, who was up to no good.
Yes we wanted to grow our hair out and pretend to play tabla, even if we had no clue or willingness.
Over the years, Ustad ji made music. With anyone and everyone. He was the bridge between East and West when it came to music. He crossed every boundary and broke every rule. In the process, allowing outsiders into the room. Giving us permission to be ok with not being purists and classicists.
Over the years, one of the perks of living close to Boston is getting to see Zakir Hussain perform at least twice a year. Usually at the gorgeous Sanders Theater near Harvard University.
For about 5 years, we went to each one. Contemporary ballet. Jazz fusion. Country. Indian classical. And with the Berklee Indian Ensemble. Missing one wasn’t an option.
The highlight of my lifetime was watching this live - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEQWnDARLqU
He always brought his knowledge and mastery of the instrument. His understanding of music. The joie de vivre of performing on stage.
But most importantly, he always had that twinkle in his eye. The twinkle that shone brighter than any light.
The hands may not create rhythms anymore, but the twinkle lives on.
Shukriya Ustad ji. Khuda Hafiz.
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