On the occasion of tabla maestro Zakir Hussain’s 75th birth anniversary, Shankar Mahadevan shared a heartfelt note expressing gratitude for their 25-year musical journey together. Mahadevan, a singer-composer, reminisced about the invaluable experiences of playing, traveling, and learning from the legendary percussionist.
Taking to Instagram, Mahadevan posted a picture with Zakir Hussain, where the maestro is seen tying a band on Mahadevan’s hand. The caption read, “Am so blessed to have spent 25 years playing, traveling, learning from him… my musical journey would have been nothing without him! Happy 75th birthday @zakirhq9… you are always there with us!! Love you.”
Zakir Hussain, the son of tabla player Alla Rakha, was renowned as one of the greatest tabla players of his generation and a distinguished percussionist. He received prestigious accolades such as the United States National Endowment for the Arts’ National Heritage Fellowship and the Government of India’s Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
Mahadevan, known for his work in the Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy trio and his fusion of Carnatic, Hindustani, and Jazz music, has made significant contributions to Bollywood with his vocal talent and compositions. His versatile style has enriched songs like “Mitwa,” “Kajra Re,” and “Gallan Goodiyaan” in Indian cinema.
