Zakir Hussain’s tabla on display at Bengaluru’s Indian Music Experience Museum

A file photo of Zakir Hussain performing at the Indian Music Experience (IME) in July 2019.
| Photo Credit: AFP

 Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain has left behind such a huge legacy with his “eternally dancing fingers” that his music is permanently housed in every music lover’s sensibilities. There is something even more special that the Indian Music Experience (IME) museum at JP Nagar in Bengaluru houses.

In 2019 when the IME was inaugurated by Ustad, he generously parted with one of his tabla sets that he felt “has come to the right place” It was a set that was part of his umpteen international platforms brushing cadences alongside global beats from star musicians.

“Zakir was a titan in the world of music and his passing leaves a void that will be felt across generations,” says Preema John. Museum Director, IME. “The tabla has been central to numerous genres, from classical and folk to fusion and world music. Zakir has been at the forefront of many of these musical conversations.”

Connection between generations

Preema says that having the set as part of the IME collection feels like a connection between generations of music lovers. “We are honoured to share this invaluable piece of history with our visitors. To be entrusted with such a precious gift from Zakir Sahab himself is truly an honour. He played these tablas on the opening night of our museum.”

The fact that Zakir redefined the boundaries of rhythm, blending tradition with innovation in ways few have done is a testimony to his versatility, Preema says. “Having his tabla in our collection embodies the essence of what we strive to achieve at IME — preserving and celebrating the rich legacy of Indian music while showcasing its ongoing evolution.”

Musical mastery

This particular tabla, Preema says, is more than an instrument. “It is a symbol of Zakir’s extraordinary musical mastery and his passion for music. It represents an ongoing dialogue between different generations of music.”

When the IME reached out to the maestro for his tabla, Zakir’s response was incredibly gracious, Preema says. “We were not only asking Zakir to showcase an iconic instrument but also to honour his legacy in a way that would resonate with both Indian and global audiences. His reaction was one of warmth and enthusiasm, which, was humbling for us.”

Sense of connection

Zakir expressed a genuine sense of connection with the idea of IME being a space where people felt living melodies with their history and background, Preema says.

Though IME had formally requested the tabla set earlier, the moment on opening night, when Zakir publicly donated the tabla set, was marvellous, Preema says. “It was nothing short of magical, one of great validation to be entrusted with such an important piece of his history.”

Zakir’s feedback on IME, calling it an “amazing space where documentation of music is happening in a way it should. There is information at your fingertips in a way that you can actually understand it, and interact with it to learn more about our musical heritage,” was profound, Preema says.

Zakir went on to say “IME is possibly the first to house and document our art history with an eye towards making it available to all for decades to come. State-of-the art cataloguing methods are being used and the information is available through a user-friendly system so even a child would be able to learn.”

The IME is curating a special showcase to Ustad Zakir with several exhibits. “We currently have Zakir Sahab’s inaugural IME concert playing in the entrance foyer of the museum,” says Preema.

Additionally, on December 26 (6.30 to 8pm) IME will be hosting a condolence gathering with prominent musicians and music organizations from the city to honour his legacy. The event will have flautist Pravin Godkhindi, ghata artist Giridhar Udupa, Vainika Suma Sudhindra, violinist Kumaresh, tabla artist Ravindra Yavagal and violinist Apoorva Krishna as tribute speakers. As part of the ongoing tribute, IME will also have exhibits with Zakir’s rare photographs, performance videos, and a commentary offering visitors a deeper understanding of Zakir’s artistry and collaborations across diverse musical genres.