For Ustad Zakir Hussain, music never dies, it only changes shape from generation to generation.

Ustad Zakir Hussain was in Kolkata recently on two important missions. First, to present an exclusive evening of his tabla recital to his father Ustad Allarakha’s senior disciple Shankha Chatterjee on his 75th birthday.

The huge tabla fraternity of the city, apart from the glitterati of the music world, turned up in full strength at the Kala Mandir and remained glued to their seats till the end.

His second mission was to attend the All India Musicians Group (AIMG) meet – the first in Kolkata after Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai. Patronised by Pandit Ravi Shankar and Lata Mangeshkar among other celebrities, AIMG aims at promoting talented aspirants and helping aged musicians.

The conference room at Sonar Bangla became a star-studded event the following day. Both Carnatic and Hindustani streams of Indian classical music were represented by top musicians.

Amiable maestro

After a series of meetings one could corner the Ustad for an informal chat. The amiable maestro was still in the mood to focus on the young, including his disciples in their ‘20s and ‘30s.

When reminded that some of them have already carved a niche for themselves, “But they are young! I am almost 60!’ he insisted. The 1951-born Ustad’s birthday falls on March 9.

“Visibility is very important”, he explained. “We seniors pledge to make ourselves available for advertisements apart from workshops, seminars and writing columns to spread awareness related to music and young musicians. Media plays an important role in this and, therefore, should be more supportive. This is my appeal!”

Speaking about music, he said, “Music never dies. It changes shape from generation to generation. But we must preserve its original roots. If we fail to do so the changes will make it drift towards an entirely different plane – beyond recognition. Indian classical music offers a vast scope for innovations and can be termed as contemporary. But the word ‘contemporary’ can set itself free from any tradition, any boundary as well.

“The recent Grammy Award, my second, is for a collaborative album ‘Global Drum Project’ along with Mickey Hart, Sikiru Adepoju and Giovanni Hidalgo in the Contemporary World Music category. When I worked with these musicians I let my instrument drop all inhibitions related to classicism. I did not sit in a box of a certain category. My tabla spoke the language of universal music.

“The Award is not the final resting place but is another beginning. Music is my life. Anything that happens to me or around me gets connected with it. But I cannot be the role model for others to follow. Parents should be. They should motivate their children according to their own values. My life is my life.”

“Well-balanced”

On his personal life, the Ustad said, “My personal life is well-balanced because my wife, a Kathak dancer and teacher, makes me dance to her tunes (laughs). On a serious note, my elder daughter is a film producer and younger one is a dancer. As you already know my brothers play the tabla. My nephew, still a baby, shows interest in tabla. But it is too early to say whether he will continue the family tradition.”

“Ah, A.R. Rahman! He is a genius. He has composed great music consistently. The Oscar makes us ecstatic especially because he belongs to our musician’s fraternity. Indian music has caught world’s interest. Such recognitions inspire youngsters”, concluded the maestro.