Ustad Zakir Hussain is a renowned name from Indian Instrumentalists that needs no introduction. Born on March 9, 1951 in India, Zakir Hussain is a son of tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha. His father had been too a famous classical table player of India and had won various awards for his outstanding performances. Since childhood, Zakir saw his father playing Tabla and gradually he learnt the art from him. He didn't take any official coaching to learn Tabla. Zakir is a child genius, who first appeared on the stage at the age of twelve. Zakir completed his education in Mahim from St. Michael's High School. He has done his graduation from St. Xaviers College of Mumbai. At the age of 19, this prolific table player went to the United States, mounting to an international status. Zakir is the most versatile table player, who has worked with the artists of India. Besides India, he has worked on several works of fusion with foreign artists too.
"The Beatles" is one of his remarkable works of fusion that he recorded in the company of an American band by the name of "Shanti". In 1975, he worked with John McLaughlin in Shakti. He also worked in the Rhythm Band of Diga with L.Shankar. He did fantastic work in album of Rolling Thunder with in the presence of Mickey Hart. "Making Music" (1987) was the first solo release album of Zakir Hussain that was highly admired by the people. In 1988, he was honored with title of "Padma Shri" for his implausible contribution to the Instrumental legacy of India. Once more, his talent got recognition when he was awarded Indo-American Award for his artistic role in making relations between India and the United States in 1990. Here the award list is not complete; Zakir received Grammy Award for his album "Planet Drum", which he created with Mickey Hart.
In 1991, he became the youngest musician to obtain the appreciation from India's Cultural Institute, since he was honored with the Sangeet Akademi Award by the President of India. He also received the Downbeat Critics Poll for Best World Beat Album and for World Music Recording, the NARM India Best Seller Award. Zakir also has the honor of co-composing the music for Atlanta Olympics of 1996 to his credit. Receiver of National Heritage Fellowship in 1999, he got an esteemed status of Master in the traditional arts from the United States. In 2002, he was awarded the title of "Padma Bhushan" by the government of India for his unbeatable contributions to the Indian music. Zakir has also been attached to the Indian cinema with the beats of his Tabla.
He has given music for various bollywood movies and albums. In the movie, "Saaz" he composed the music and starred the movie as well. In the present date, he performs not less than 150 concerts all over the globe in a year. In Mumbai and San Francisco, he also teaches Tabla to the advanced students. Zakir Hussain is also engaged in Bill Laswell's 'World Music Supergroup' of Tabla Beat Science, since he was the founding member of this association. Zakir Hussain is an active participant in the Indian Music, who brought the Indian Music on the International panorama. The legendary figure is still continuing his journey with the melodious cadence of the Tabla.