Blog | For My Guru, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Who Taught Me Both Tabla And Life

When I first met my Guru, Ustad Zakir Hussain (Zakirbhai as I fondly called him), I was just five years old. My family had organised a musical programme of Pandit Jasraj and Ustad Zakir Hussain to honour the memory of my maternal grandmother, Sarojben Vyas. Backstage, I wandered into the green room, captivated by the presence of a tabla. Unable to resist, I began playing it.

Zakirbhai entered the room, curious about who was playing his instrument. He asked, “Aapko bajana hai?” (Do you want to play it?) With innocent determination, I said, “Yes.” Smiling, he sat me on his lap, placed my tiny hands on the Tabla, and showed me how to play. Little did I know that this moment would forever change my life. Ustad Zakir Hussain became the first to place my hands on the Tabla, setting me on a path of musical devotion and excellence.

Years later, at the age of 11, I had the courage to ask my Gurus, Ustad Alla Rakha and Ustad Zakir Hussain, to be strict with me, to expect the highest standards, and to train me with discipline so that I could strive to be the best. Their guidance was rigorous yet nurturing, shaping me into the musician I am today. Their wealth of knowledge and their exacting nature taught me the significance of discipline, precision and dedication to my craft.