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Zakir Hussain: A Life in Music
Tabla virtuoso, composer and percussionist Zakir Hussain is an international music phenomenon. The eldest son of the legendary Ustad Allarakha, Zakir gave his first public concert at the age of seven and was immediately hailed a child prodigy. In later years, his masterful dexterity and creative genius led to his becoming one of the most sought-after accompanists to the very best of Hindustani classical musicians and dancers. Zakir Hussain is equally recognized as one of the foremost contemporary jazz and world music percussionists; he has performed at innumerable concerts both as a solo artist and with renowned jazz musicians on the grand stages of the world, from the Royal Albert Hall to Madison Square Garden. With John McLaughlin, L. Shankar and T.H. Vinayakram, Zakir Hussain created music history with the band Shakti. He has acted in James Ivory's Heat and Dust and Sai Paranjpye's Saaz, and scored music for directors such as Bernardo Bertolucci (Little Buddha), Aparna Sen (Mr. & Mrs. Iyer) and Ismail Merchant (In Custody, The Mystic Masseur); he has also played the tabla for countless 1960s Hindi film soundtracks. In an in-depth conversation with Zakir Hussain, Nasreen Munni Kabir takes the readers through the story of his how he was deemed an 'unlucky' child; the early years of growing up in Mahim; his training from age four with his extraordinary father; and his experiences and memories working with a host of legendary musicians, including Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and Ustad Vilayat Khan. A born storyteller, Zakir speaks with humour and humility of his understanding of music, his relationship with his students, his dedication and love for the tabla, and the way he negotiates life as an acclaimed celebrity living in both America and India. Zakir A Life in Music is a brilliant introduction to the life and times of a huge music star, a revered role model and a visionary world musician.
185 pages, Hardcover
Published January 9, 2018
16 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Nasreen Munni Kabir
28 books33 followersBorn in India, Nasreen Munni Kabir is a renowned UK-based documentary film-maker who has produced and directed over 80 TV programmes on Hindi cinema for Channel 4 TV, UK, including the series Movie Mahal, In Search of Guru Dutt, Lata in Her Own Voice, and the two-part documentary The Inner and Outer World of Shah Rukh Khan. She has also directed a profile on Ustad Bismillah Khan and on the making of Bombay Dreams, the musical produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber for BBC Television, UK. She continues to curate Channel 4’s annual Indian film seasons.
Author of 16 books on Hindi cinema, Nasreen has served on the board of the British Film Institute for a six-year term. She enjoys subtitling, and has has subtitled over 500 Hindi films. Her last book was Conversations with Waheeda Rehman. She is most remembered for her Guru Dutt biography, titled Guru Dutt: A Life in Cinema (OUP, 1996). Nasreen continues live in London.
Author of 16 books on Hindi cinema, Nasreen has served on the board of the British Film Institute for a six-year term. She enjoys subtitling, and has has subtitled over 500 Hindi films. Her last book was Conversations with Waheeda Rehman. She is most remembered for her Guru Dutt biography, titled Guru Dutt: A Life in Cinema (OUP, 1996). Nasreen continues live in London.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 31, 2019
Nasreen Munni Kabir's book-length interviews/conversations with Bollywood personalities have been delightful reads for me earlier. I have read 4 by her earlier and this was the only one pending and so went for it. Afterall, Zakir Hussain is a well-known name in classical music in India.
On the positive side, the scene of Indian classical music in the 20th century has been described well. The life of the musicians, their rivalries, their relationship with Bollywood, the makings of a concert have all been covered in some depth. Alongwith Zakir Saab's comments on a no. of issues, they made for interesting reading.
I learnt playing Tabla for one and a half years as a teenager. And for a short period a few years ago, I tried listening to Indian classical music - instrumentals and some fusion as I love the sound of guitar. Unfortunately, I couldnt appreciate it despite my basic training.
And Unfortunately again, I couldnt understand the technical details of the music described in d book. If you are trained in classical music you will enjoy this much more. Also felt that the details of his life got a little repetitive.
On the positive side, the scene of Indian classical music in the 20th century has been described well. The life of the musicians, their rivalries, their relationship with Bollywood, the makings of a concert have all been covered in some depth. Alongwith Zakir Saab's comments on a no. of issues, they made for interesting reading.
I learnt playing Tabla for one and a half years as a teenager. And for a short period a few years ago, I tried listening to Indian classical music - instrumentals and some fusion as I love the sound of guitar. Unfortunately, I couldnt appreciate it despite my basic training.
And Unfortunately again, I couldnt understand the technical details of the music described in d book. If you are trained in classical music you will enjoy this much more. Also felt that the details of his life got a little repetitive.
May 21, 2018
I've had plenty of bad experiences with books that are biographical, or are in the format of an interview, or deal with music. The subject-matter of these three genre are profound enough; it's just that it takes a rare talent to pen a book on these subjects. The last such book that I read, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan Saab's "Master on Masters" left me several disappointed. As a result, I am quite wary.
"Zakir Hussain: A Life" meets the requirements of all three categories about which I am apprehensive. I am happy to report that this apprehension has been misplaced and that this book is a fantastic read.
Clearly, the interviewer did their research properly and had great clarity about the direction the discussion was to take. Personally, I found that this book had much to offer to my individual taste.
The book is filled with plenty of anecdotes about the legends of Hindustani Music; a natural outcome of the vantage point that Ustad Zakir Hussain had since birth. It also discusses at length the maestro's view about music - both Indian and Global.
But the book goes a step ahead. It also discusses Zakir Hussain's views about a variety of subjects - the pursuit of excellence, dealing with "greatness" and "failure", the meditative experience of working hard, the "spark" that must be present naturally for "genius" to be attained, and how to reconcile temporal pursuits with eternal ones. What was so striking about Ustadji's views was that they resolved the paradox between greatness and simplicity.
An entirely satisfying read. Recommended.
"Zakir Hussain: A Life" meets the requirements of all three categories about which I am apprehensive. I am happy to report that this apprehension has been misplaced and that this book is a fantastic read.
Clearly, the interviewer did their research properly and had great clarity about the direction the discussion was to take. Personally, I found that this book had much to offer to my individual taste.
The book is filled with plenty of anecdotes about the legends of Hindustani Music; a natural outcome of the vantage point that Ustad Zakir Hussain had since birth. It also discusses at length the maestro's view about music - both Indian and Global.
But the book goes a step ahead. It also discusses Zakir Hussain's views about a variety of subjects - the pursuit of excellence, dealing with "greatness" and "failure", the meditative experience of working hard, the "spark" that must be present naturally for "genius" to be attained, and how to reconcile temporal pursuits with eternal ones. What was so striking about Ustadji's views was that they resolved the paradox between greatness and simplicity.
An entirely satisfying read. Recommended.
March 3, 2025
Almost everybody in India, particularly those who grew up in the days of Doordarshan and the Festivals of India would have heard about Zakir Hussain. At a time when Indian classical music was considered fuddy duddy and old, Zakir Hussain with his mop of curly hair, his prodigious talent and his obvious joy while playing the instrument was the rockstar tabla player. Not only did he enjoy the mainstream popularity not often given to classical musicians, he was also the first to elevate the table player to a position equal to that of the lead instrumentalist.
“Zakir Hussain: A Life in Music” goes into who Zakir Hussain is as a person and as a musician, his early influences, the role he played in mainstreaming what is today called “world music”, his philosophy where it comes to life and music and the changing face of classical music. What is not very well known is that in his early teens Zakir Hussain often recorded music for films- his description of the recording studios and his anecdotes about the stalwarts of the film industry are fascinating (I personally loved his reply when he was asked to list his ten favourite film songs).
The biographer, by her own admission, is not particularly knowledgeable about classical music, which I believe this is the greatest strength of the book. Zakir Hussain, who is clearly a great teacher, explains things in a manner which someone without a background in classical music would understand, so at no time does the reader feel overwhelmed or excluded.
The book uses an unusual format for a biography. It is a series of questions and answers, spliced together so it takes the form of an extremely long interview. There are no breaks, there doesn’t appear to be a rigid structure, the events are not told in chronological order. The conversation meanders along, there are frequent forays where an thought is explored further before being gently nudged back into the narrative. In a way, the book is like the performance of a classical piece- it stays within a loosely defined structure, there are joyful explorations, and as long as you “hit the sam”, it doesn’t matter how you got there!
This book should appeal to both the classical music buff and to someone who is merely interested in learning more about Zakir Hussain.
“Zakir Hussain: A Life in Music” goes into who Zakir Hussain is as a person and as a musician, his early influences, the role he played in mainstreaming what is today called “world music”, his philosophy where it comes to life and music and the changing face of classical music. What is not very well known is that in his early teens Zakir Hussain often recorded music for films- his description of the recording studios and his anecdotes about the stalwarts of the film industry are fascinating (I personally loved his reply when he was asked to list his ten favourite film songs).
The biographer, by her own admission, is not particularly knowledgeable about classical music, which I believe this is the greatest strength of the book. Zakir Hussain, who is clearly a great teacher, explains things in a manner which someone without a background in classical music would understand, so at no time does the reader feel overwhelmed or excluded.
The book uses an unusual format for a biography. It is a series of questions and answers, spliced together so it takes the form of an extremely long interview. There are no breaks, there doesn’t appear to be a rigid structure, the events are not told in chronological order. The conversation meanders along, there are frequent forays where an thought is explored further before being gently nudged back into the narrative. In a way, the book is like the performance of a classical piece- it stays within a loosely defined structure, there are joyful explorations, and as long as you “hit the sam”, it doesn’t matter how you got there!
This book should appeal to both the classical music buff and to someone who is merely interested in learning more about Zakir Hussain.
February 20, 2019
An absolute delight for Tabla learners and Zakir Hussain fans. The book is in the form of a conversation between Ustad Zakir Hussain and Ms. Nasreen Munni Kabir, which makes it more involving and authentic as the subject of the Book is himself involved in the narration.
The Book is of high value not just for the pictures and anecdotes that it contains, but also because it gives an insight into the work culture, values and and mindset of one of the greatest drummers of all the times.
Great read and recommended for Hindustani Classical Music fans and Indian music lovers overall.
The Book is of high value not just for the pictures and anecdotes that it contains, but also because it gives an insight into the work culture, values and and mindset of one of the greatest drummers of all the times.
Great read and recommended for Hindustani Classical Music fans and Indian music lovers overall.
February 6, 2025
Zakir Hussain : A Life in Music : In conversation with Nasreen Munni Kabir captures Ustad Zakir Hussain the private man as much as the elite global musician. It is a conversation based book which is the fruit of interviews Nasreen Munni Kabir conducted with him over a period of 2 years in India and abroad.
Ustad Zakir Hussain wasn’t just an elite level tabla player, he was a complete musician in every sense of the word. His encyclopedic knowledge of Hindustani classical music of North India, Carnatic music of South India, Western genres such as Western classical, Jazz, Rock, Symphony and even African rhythmic music are evident in the way he explained them in descriptive yet simple language which keeps the layman reader engaged.
Those born in the 20th century in India will enjoy reading about the musical scene in the country during the 60s, 70s & 80s. Surprisingly, he demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of Bollywood songs for he played the tabla in many film songs of the 1960s to support his family financially.
Having accompanied past masters from a young age such as Pt. Ravi Shankar, Ustad Vialyat Khan, Ustad Sultan Khan, Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma and several others who were his father’s contemporaries, he talks about them in great reverence in a true reflection of the Master-Disciple (Guru-Shishya) tradition he was brought up in. But it was his long years of professional and personal association with the sarod maestro Ustad Ali Akbar Khan that held a special place for him. He shares those memories in detail with a few quirky anecdotes thrown in that shed light on the amusing personality traits of the great sarod player. For example, despite being his senior, Ali Akbar Khan sought Zakir’s permission when the former decided to get married to one of the latter’s students!
Two things really stood out for me in this book. One, the insightful manner in which he explains the intricacies when the tabla accompanies a fellow instrument such as the sitar or sarod versus when it accompanies a Hindustani classical vocalist versus when it accompanies a Kathak dancer. Two, how an Afro-Cuban guitarist Armando Peraza encouraged him to explore the tabla in a manner that is markedly different from the traditional Hindustani classical rhythms. Despite his long years of experimentation and playing fusion music with Western musicians, Zakir Hussain never forgot the single most important piece of advice his father, Ustad Allarakha Qureshi gave him, that he is a Hindustani classical musician first and foremost.
There is also one masterly piece of advice for all budding musicians, tabla players in particular. The need for tabla players to accompany vocalists to understand how the emotional content is expressed through voice. To prove his point, he says it was years later that he realised why his father had decided that a teenage Zakir would visit the house of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan (one of the greatest Hindustani classical vocalists) every Sunday and spend time with the great man. There are several such words of wisdom.
But this book is not all about his musical journey. Nasreen Munni Kabir has tried to mix it up with anecdotes and questions from the family history as well and he has answered them quite candidly. She explores his growing up years in the Mumbai neighbourhood of Mahim, the financial struggles of the family during his growing up years, and the tragic loss of three siblings and his illustrious father that haven’t really healed even though decades have passed. For example, he reveals that he had a younger brother Munnawar who was a born rhythm player and would have become a great musician had he not tragically died of dog bite at age four. One can feel the sense of pride in his words when he talks about the successes his other two younger brothers, Fazal Qureshi (a tabla player) & Taufiq Qureshi (a Djembe player) have achieved in their careers. It wasn't easy for both to carve out a niche for themselves emerging from the shadow of such an illustrious older brother. He also comes across as an excited head of the family when he talks about the musical talents of his nieces and nephews, the next generation of the Qureshi family. He remained quintessentially a boy from Mahim, an Indian at heart. Decades of living in the US hadn’t changed him.
As she writes in the Introduction about the nature of the book, Nasreen Munni Kabir has kept it true to its spirit by keeping the language casual, conversational and very engaging. There isn’t a particular narrative style and she has presented them in as authentic a manner as the tabla maestro explains to her. Being the nephew of a Hindustani classical vocalist, I could relate to some of the things the book talks about after having grown up observing my paternal uncle discuss with his students.
He was one of those few remaining links to that Master-Disciple tradition of knowledge transmission which was the norm till the mid 20th century prior to the advent of technology. His younger brother Fazal carries that tradition forward with the Ustad Allarakha Institute of Music.
This book has been on my bookshelf since 2021 but it never occurred to me that I would be reading it as a tribute to my favourite musician after his passing into the ages.. He will be remembered and devoutly followed for generations to come for Zakir Hussain and Tabla are synonymous.
An enjoyable yet informative read about the Ustad. It is recommended to every budding musician for its words of wisdom on the ways to learn an instrument, improvisations when accompanying fellow musicians and how to expand one’s horizons. And also recommended for those who have more than a passing interest in music.
Ustad Zakir Hussain wasn’t just an elite level tabla player, he was a complete musician in every sense of the word. His encyclopedic knowledge of Hindustani classical music of North India, Carnatic music of South India, Western genres such as Western classical, Jazz, Rock, Symphony and even African rhythmic music are evident in the way he explained them in descriptive yet simple language which keeps the layman reader engaged.
Those born in the 20th century in India will enjoy reading about the musical scene in the country during the 60s, 70s & 80s. Surprisingly, he demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of Bollywood songs for he played the tabla in many film songs of the 1960s to support his family financially.
Having accompanied past masters from a young age such as Pt. Ravi Shankar, Ustad Vialyat Khan, Ustad Sultan Khan, Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma and several others who were his father’s contemporaries, he talks about them in great reverence in a true reflection of the Master-Disciple (Guru-Shishya) tradition he was brought up in. But it was his long years of professional and personal association with the sarod maestro Ustad Ali Akbar Khan that held a special place for him. He shares those memories in detail with a few quirky anecdotes thrown in that shed light on the amusing personality traits of the great sarod player. For example, despite being his senior, Ali Akbar Khan sought Zakir’s permission when the former decided to get married to one of the latter’s students!
Two things really stood out for me in this book. One, the insightful manner in which he explains the intricacies when the tabla accompanies a fellow instrument such as the sitar or sarod versus when it accompanies a Hindustani classical vocalist versus when it accompanies a Kathak dancer. Two, how an Afro-Cuban guitarist Armando Peraza encouraged him to explore the tabla in a manner that is markedly different from the traditional Hindustani classical rhythms. Despite his long years of experimentation and playing fusion music with Western musicians, Zakir Hussain never forgot the single most important piece of advice his father, Ustad Allarakha Qureshi gave him, that he is a Hindustani classical musician first and foremost.
There is also one masterly piece of advice for all budding musicians, tabla players in particular. The need for tabla players to accompany vocalists to understand how the emotional content is expressed through voice. To prove his point, he says it was years later that he realised why his father had decided that a teenage Zakir would visit the house of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan (one of the greatest Hindustani classical vocalists) every Sunday and spend time with the great man. There are several such words of wisdom.
But this book is not all about his musical journey. Nasreen Munni Kabir has tried to mix it up with anecdotes and questions from the family history as well and he has answered them quite candidly. She explores his growing up years in the Mumbai neighbourhood of Mahim, the financial struggles of the family during his growing up years, and the tragic loss of three siblings and his illustrious father that haven’t really healed even though decades have passed. For example, he reveals that he had a younger brother Munnawar who was a born rhythm player and would have become a great musician had he not tragically died of dog bite at age four. One can feel the sense of pride in his words when he talks about the successes his other two younger brothers, Fazal Qureshi (a tabla player) & Taufiq Qureshi (a Djembe player) have achieved in their careers. It wasn't easy for both to carve out a niche for themselves emerging from the shadow of such an illustrious older brother. He also comes across as an excited head of the family when he talks about the musical talents of his nieces and nephews, the next generation of the Qureshi family. He remained quintessentially a boy from Mahim, an Indian at heart. Decades of living in the US hadn’t changed him.
As she writes in the Introduction about the nature of the book, Nasreen Munni Kabir has kept it true to its spirit by keeping the language casual, conversational and very engaging. There isn’t a particular narrative style and she has presented them in as authentic a manner as the tabla maestro explains to her. Being the nephew of a Hindustani classical vocalist, I could relate to some of the things the book talks about after having grown up observing my paternal uncle discuss with his students.
He was one of those few remaining links to that Master-Disciple tradition of knowledge transmission which was the norm till the mid 20th century prior to the advent of technology. His younger brother Fazal carries that tradition forward with the Ustad Allarakha Institute of Music.
This book has been on my bookshelf since 2021 but it never occurred to me that I would be reading it as a tribute to my favourite musician after his passing into the ages.. He will be remembered and devoutly followed for generations to come for Zakir Hussain and Tabla are synonymous.
An enjoyable yet informative read about the Ustad. It is recommended to every budding musician for its words of wisdom on the ways to learn an instrument, improvisations when accompanying fellow musicians and how to expand one’s horizons. And also recommended for those who have more than a passing interest in music.
October 21, 2018
This was my very first book in conversational style and I am lucky that I picked this one. Ustad Zakir Hussain is already a legend and to read about him in and his thoughts in his own words was a pure delight. I also did a wonderful experiment when I was about half way through the book. I started and listened to different compositions by the Ustad till I finished the book. This elevated the experience for me.
I am struck by Ustad's memory and the skill to remember so many names and details it was truly awesome. It was very nicely put together book and Ms. Nasreen Munni Kabir had done her homework properly. This was a wonderful book. I am happy to read this.
Yes you should also give it a chance and hopefully you will also find it as good as I did and try to listen to Ustad when reading it and once you finish it then Keep on Reading.
I am struck by Ustad's memory and the skill to remember so many names and details it was truly awesome. It was very nicely put together book and Ms. Nasreen Munni Kabir had done her homework properly. This was a wonderful book. I am happy to read this.
Yes you should also give it a chance and hopefully you will also find it as good as I did and try to listen to Ustad when reading it and once you finish it then Keep on Reading.
June 22, 2023
What an amazing piece of interview with the great maestro, I kept on thinking while taking pauses in the reading that how challenging it must be for the interviewer. While reading this interview I felt like Zakir Sahib playing Tabla while he's talking sometimes I felt like beat going up and sometimes beat going down this is the way life is!
September 10, 2020
"Success is not how many Grammys you win or how many platinum records you have. Success is standing tall behind something and saying- this is what I wanted." -Zakir Hussain.
I think this is where most of us practicing art forms lose ourselves. We forget that the art shall be something through which we can express ourselves and our ideas about life.
I think this is where most of us practicing art forms lose ourselves. We forget that the art shall be something through which we can express ourselves and our ideas about life.
August 26, 2018
Conversational and experiential snippets from Zakir Hussain himself on his life journey from Mahim (Bombay, where he was born) to Marin (California, where he currently lives). A great story of very humble roots making it big on international scene purely because of his hardwork and dedication to his art.
He is one of the very few artist who has managed to keep his personal style and elegance intact. Signs of very evolved personalities who are incredibly agile in adjusting to the changing times and growing their art along with it (vs sticking to set ideas/ cultural norms). I have been lucky to attend some of his concerts in Berkeley and San Francisco. The concerts are always sold out and great musical experiences.
His father Allah Rakha Khan was also a well renowned tabla maestro of his own times (1950s/60s), a common theme for many Indian artists who have taken their existing parental legacy to new heights. Along with his father’s contemporaries - Pt. Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan and Pt. Chitresh Das, Zakir Husain introduced and established Indian classical music and art to the west in 1960s. Most of these Indian artists arrived in California in 1960s almost in the same decade when hippie movement was at it’s peak in America and counter-culture was evolving. They all grew up in India, mentored under very well known names, were devoted deeply to their art and leveraged western style to pitch themselves at the global level. Inspiring to see these artists bridging geographical and generational boundaries through their passion for music and art.
#WahUstaadWah #ZaakirHussain #NasreenMunniKabir #SanAnselmo #Tabla #IndianClassicalMusic #MahimtoMarin #ArtVsScience
He is one of the very few artist who has managed to keep his personal style and elegance intact. Signs of very evolved personalities who are incredibly agile in adjusting to the changing times and growing their art along with it (vs sticking to set ideas/ cultural norms). I have been lucky to attend some of his concerts in Berkeley and San Francisco. The concerts are always sold out and great musical experiences.
His father Allah Rakha Khan was also a well renowned tabla maestro of his own times (1950s/60s), a common theme for many Indian artists who have taken their existing parental legacy to new heights. Along with his father’s contemporaries - Pt. Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan and Pt. Chitresh Das, Zakir Husain introduced and established Indian classical music and art to the west in 1960s. Most of these Indian artists arrived in California in 1960s almost in the same decade when hippie movement was at it’s peak in America and counter-culture was evolving. They all grew up in India, mentored under very well known names, were devoted deeply to their art and leveraged western style to pitch themselves at the global level. Inspiring to see these artists bridging geographical and generational boundaries through their passion for music and art.
#WahUstaadWah #ZaakirHussain #NasreenMunniKabir #SanAnselmo #Tabla #IndianClassicalMusic #MahimtoMarin #ArtVsScience
March 23, 2018
A vert engaging conversation between the author and Zakir Hussein. The questions posed by the author are quite interesting and cover a wide variety of topics. The only quibble I have is that she does not ask him about the different gharanas and their differences. The questions do not follow any chronological sequence and that makes the conversation seem very spontaneous.
November 12, 2022
I am a late bloomer to the music world. My family is not very musical. Growing up, I didn't (intentionally) hear much music until middle-school and high-school when Western pop music began to be in vogue. (Of course, Bollywood music was always around even if we wouldn't especially play at home, but what I mean is I wasn't intentionally listening to it earlier. My cousins were into dance and I would participate in many a dance session) So I started with Western pop music. I soon started listening to Bollywood pop music as well. I had a Sony walkman in 8th grade where you had to insert a cassette. These walkmans were really in vogue then, and I would take mine everywhere, literally. I remember my first cassette was from the movie Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. My mom wouldn't give me money for more cassettes, so I would listen to this album again and again. Till date, I know the lyrics to all the songs. Since then, my musical proclivities have grown a bit. Earlier, I couldn't catch tunes well and I remember feeling bad about it. Now at least I can replicate the basic tune, though I am not a singer by any means. I was introduced to newer music through various friends. When I moved to Mumbai, my roommate used to frequently put on music, and that's how I also got into the habit of putting on music over speakers from time to time, which I earlier did really less. I like jazz, Qawwali, Bollywood 90s, many pop music songs Indian and Western. I am not good at classifying songs into the style they have.
I have not been exposed to much of Indian classical music. I only have a layman's understanding of the swaras and raags. I know Indian classical music is a world of its own, we have vocalists but also various instruments. It's a precise art form that is refined over time. People dedicate their lives to the mastery of a particular instrument.
Zakir Hussain is one of the greatest tabla players ever. His stories about his childhood and growing up and training under his musician father are fascinating to me - the classical music study in India was/is distributed through a gurukul-esque tradition where there is a complete devotion of the student to the master, the student often being the progeny of the master (but that's not always the case). This education is passed down from generation to generation, closely guarded. There are various styles of rendering Hindustani classical music, and Zakir's father is from the Punjab gharana. In this book, we get a glimpse of Zakir's childhoon, his association with many of the musician greats, his process, people close to him, etc.
Zakir strikes as quite a humble man. He has thought about what life means to him and what his values are. He is very hard working, loves his craft and is not an egoistic person at all. He is not in it for the adulation, at least not now. That's quite evident when he's content to be an accompanying tabla player (as it should be as tabla is the accompanist traditionally) and does not try to get glory by trying to be the primary artist everywhere.
My copy of the book is signed by the author, and actually gifted to my landlord's family. My landlord generously left some of the books here and I decided to read it.
For Indian music or Zakir fans, this book will be a very entertaining read
I have not been exposed to much of Indian classical music. I only have a layman's understanding of the swaras and raags. I know Indian classical music is a world of its own, we have vocalists but also various instruments. It's a precise art form that is refined over time. People dedicate their lives to the mastery of a particular instrument.
Zakir Hussain is one of the greatest tabla players ever. His stories about his childhood and growing up and training under his musician father are fascinating to me - the classical music study in India was/is distributed through a gurukul-esque tradition where there is a complete devotion of the student to the master, the student often being the progeny of the master (but that's not always the case). This education is passed down from generation to generation, closely guarded. There are various styles of rendering Hindustani classical music, and Zakir's father is from the Punjab gharana. In this book, we get a glimpse of Zakir's childhoon, his association with many of the musician greats, his process, people close to him, etc.
Zakir strikes as quite a humble man. He has thought about what life means to him and what his values are. He is very hard working, loves his craft and is not an egoistic person at all. He is not in it for the adulation, at least not now. That's quite evident when he's content to be an accompanying tabla player (as it should be as tabla is the accompanist traditionally) and does not try to get glory by trying to be the primary artist everywhere.
My copy of the book is signed by the author, and actually gifted to my landlord's family. My landlord generously left some of the books here and I decided to read it.
For Indian music or Zakir fans, this book will be a very entertaining read
July 21, 2020
This book when released in 2019 really sparked my interest as a Tabla Player and as a fan of Ustad Zakir Hussainji. Seeing the interview which was done between Zakirji, Nasreenji and Bikram Ghosh (a tabla player of Kolkata) at the literary fest is a must- do for this book!
Beyond the hype, I thought that Nasreenji focused a lot on Zakirji's involvement with Bollywood and Urdu. While I didn't know Zakirji was very big into Urdu Shyaari and Lyricism, I thought that after a while it became very repetitive and not really what I wanted to learn. Aspects that I thought were especially interesting and appreciated about this book was Zakirji's relationship with Abbaji, Pt. Ravi Shankar, Ut. Ali Akbar Khan Saheb etc. these were both insightful and inspiring. I would have liked to know more specifically and specific interactions that Zakirji had with musicians as well as his adventures outside of India and immigrating to America, meeting his wife, being a father etc.
Overall, a great read for any avid music fan!
Beyond the hype, I thought that Nasreenji focused a lot on Zakirji's involvement with Bollywood and Urdu. While I didn't know Zakirji was very big into Urdu Shyaari and Lyricism, I thought that after a while it became very repetitive and not really what I wanted to learn. Aspects that I thought were especially interesting and appreciated about this book was Zakirji's relationship with Abbaji, Pt. Ravi Shankar, Ut. Ali Akbar Khan Saheb etc. these were both insightful and inspiring. I would have liked to know more specifically and specific interactions that Zakirji had with musicians as well as his adventures outside of India and immigrating to America, meeting his wife, being a father etc.
Overall, a great read for any avid music fan!
February 22, 2020
Nasreen's conversation with Gulzar was my first encounter with her. Reading this conversation with Zakir Hussain now, I believe I have come out with a richer understanding of music and instruments.
That being said, this book isn't about music but about Zakir. I got a feeling of listening to a soul nurturing and life enriching conversation reading this book. This only happens if the interviewee happens to have reflected and formed a coherent idea of their philosophy and approach towards life and their craft. Zakir knows where he wants to be and how he arrived where he is. Mostly, I enjoyed the calm vibe of this book. Nasreen mentions this in the book as well. When she rushed at any point, Zakir made her slow down and let the conversation unfold. That is probably why I could pick this book up at 3 am in the morning when I couldn't fall asleep and read.
This book took me longer to read. For a barely 178 pages conversations, it took me almost two weeks to finish this. Zakir's approach to life and relationships, and understanding of music are simple yet profound. You can't help but take some of these insights to apply to your own life.
At the end of this reading experience, I was left with a desire to write a similar book for Nepali audience.
That being said, this book isn't about music but about Zakir. I got a feeling of listening to a soul nurturing and life enriching conversation reading this book. This only happens if the interviewee happens to have reflected and formed a coherent idea of their philosophy and approach towards life and their craft. Zakir knows where he wants to be and how he arrived where he is. Mostly, I enjoyed the calm vibe of this book. Nasreen mentions this in the book as well. When she rushed at any point, Zakir made her slow down and let the conversation unfold. That is probably why I could pick this book up at 3 am in the morning when I couldn't fall asleep and read.
This book took me longer to read. For a barely 178 pages conversations, it took me almost two weeks to finish this. Zakir's approach to life and relationships, and understanding of music are simple yet profound. You can't help but take some of these insights to apply to your own life.
At the end of this reading experience, I was left with a desire to write a similar book for Nepali audience.
August 28, 2024
This book long interview doesn't tell you as much about the maestro Zakhir Hussain as much it tells you about how he perceives the world. I think NSM did an amazing job (as usual) in editing and creating this book. I did feel at times the Zakhirs responses were rushed or there wasn't enough material but that is understandable how it is usually done in batches or ver a span of months if not years. I gave 3 because I am not from a musical background and could not know the tabla ustaad as a person as much as knowing his viewpoints.
October 9, 2025
The copy I got was very poor quality. It was off putting in a manner.
But once I overcame that part, the book is super.
I love the format. Conversation flowing. It has a fresh appeal of getting an even direct account of the legend that ustad Zakir Hussain was. Much better than what I’d have got from a biography or possibly an autobiography.
That’s my opinion.
I got a peak into the lives and habits of many other ustads and legends, of whom I knew very little.
This is a superb book. A must read.
My first from the author. Would surely pick others very soon.
But once I overcame that part, the book is super.
I love the format. Conversation flowing. It has a fresh appeal of getting an even direct account of the legend that ustad Zakir Hussain was. Much better than what I’d have got from a biography or possibly an autobiography.
That’s my opinion.
I got a peak into the lives and habits of many other ustads and legends, of whom I knew very little.
This is a superb book. A must read.
My first from the author. Would surely pick others very soon.
May 1, 2019
Though too brief for my indulgence, this conversational autobiography of Zakir Hussain does a wonderful job of capturing the world surrounding the subject and his sense of his place in it. Rare in that you are exposed to the intimate paradigms that a biographic subject wields to navigate his life and work, this book provides profound insights for any practitioner of music - particularly of the Indian traditions - who wishes to elevate himself, his world, and his art through "finding" music.
January 31, 2021
One of the best (auto)biographies I have read till now. Written in a unique way as compared to other biographies. You read and feel a biography from the lens of someone else, but this book gives you opportunity to hear Zakir's story in his own words and probably in his own voice :p.. worth a read!!
December 19, 2018
This conversation with Ustadji shows the tough childhood that he has had. There are quite a few things I got to know about him as well other Indian classical musicians. Overall it is a quick and easy read about a great percussionist!
August 25, 2020
It is a great insight into the life of the Maestro. A very realistic behind the scenes look into the long and not so easy journey of going from Ustad Allarakha's Son to Ustad Zakir Hussain.
Very inspiring.
Very inspiring.
October 4, 2021
I love reading about anecdotes like this that give you a behind the scenes look which may inflate my rating but I enjoyed the introspection and willingness to cut through the blind reverence that often permeates Hindustani Classical Music
September 14, 2023
A big part of the book was very general questions, and another chunk was about people I am not old enough to know. But a few, very interesting questions made sticking through all of that absolutely worth it. 3.5/5
October 22, 2024
NMK’s books are easy to read as they’re always in interview forms.
February 18, 2019
What an amazing life !!! In Awe
November 23, 2022
A brilliant insight into the life of one of the greatest musicians of all time.
January 1, 2025
A wonderful and eloquent book on Ustad Zakir Hussain. It was a pleasure reading this amazing book. Ustadji has had a spectacular life which is evident from the brilliant narrative by him in this book. Thanks to Nasreen Munni Kabir for such an amazing book! I would recommend it to everyone who wants to know more about Ustad Zakir Hussain, the legendary maestro of the Tabla.
February 8, 2020
loved the question and answer format.
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