Ustad Zakir Hussain’s unforgettable concerts in coastal Karnataka

Coastal Karnataka has witnessed the brilliance of Ustad Zakir Hussain through numerous spellbinding performances in Mangaluru, Udupi, and Karkala over the years. Seventeen years ago, he mesmerized the audience at a concert held in the open grounds of Mangalore University College with his enchanting tabla renditions.

That year, Zakir Hussain visited Mangaluru thrice, including his performance at the prestigious Alva’s Virasat, where he was conferred with the Alva’s Virasat Award. During his acceptance, his soulful tabla performance captivated the audience.

Another memorable event was held at TMA Pai Hall in the city as part of the Karavali Utsav, organized with media support from Udayavani. At this concert, he performed an exquisite jugalbandi with legendary Santoor player Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, enthralling an audience of over 1,800 music enthusiasts.

During the university grounds concert, Zakir Hussain shared the stage with Mangaluru-based young sitar artist Ankush Nayak, whose birthday coincided with the event. On learning this, Zakir played “Happy Birthday” on the tabla, delighting everyone present. The concert, organized by Sangeetha Bharathi Foundation, featured Zakir’s solo tabla recital for over 90 minutes.

Zakir Hussain also shared a close bond with the Udupi Shri Krishna Matha. During the 2016-17 fifth Paryaya of Pejawar Math’s Shri Vishwesha Tirtha Swamiji, he accompanied senior artists Kumresh on violin and Jayanthi Kumresh on veena in a grand performance at Udupi.

His first visit to Udupi was in 1984, when he participated in the ITC Music Festival hosted by the Udupi Sangeetha Sabha in Manipal. He performed alongside the iconic flautist Hariprasad Chaurasia. He returned in 1986 and 1997 for other notable events, including one at MGM College, where he performed with his brother Faizal Qureshi. He also visited Mukund Kripa School, watched children’s performances, and praised their efforts.

Zakir Hussain’s association with the Pai family of Manipal was equally noteworthy. He maintained a close friendship with TMA Pai’s sons, T. Mohandas Pai and T. Panduranga Pai, and often visited their homes during his time in the region.

In Karkala, Zakir Hussain performed at the “Panchama Inchara” program organized by the Sangeetha Sabha on February 4, 1997. That afternoon, he relished a traditional GSB-style meal, including upkari, dal tove, patrode, and jeev kadgi dishes. He was so impressed that he requested the same meal for dinner, even packing some patrode to take with him. During this event, Zakir Hussain performed alongside violinist G.T. Gopalakrishna and harmonium artist Sudhir Nayak, while Karkala’s Meera Shenai lent her support. Thousands of music lovers gathered to witness this extraordinary concert, which also featured the release of the book Panchama Inchara.

Zakir Hussain’s long-standing connection with coastal Karnataka reflects his profound impact on the region’s music lovers and the enduring legacy of his artistry.