The demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain has deeply shocked his tabla maker, Haridas Whitkar. Whitkar, 59, a third-generation tabla maker, emotionally told PTI, “I first started making tabla for his father Allah Rakha Ji. I have been playing tabla for Zakir Hussain Sahab since 1998.
Last meeting in August
Whitkar further said that his last meeting with Ustad Zakir Hussain took place in August this year. About this he said, “It was the day of Guru Purnima. We met in a room, where several of his fans were also present. The next day I went to his house at Shimla House Society on Nepean Sea Road. We remained immersed in conversation for hours.
Was a perfectionist when it came to tabla
Talking about Zakir Hussain’s passion and perfection for the tabla, Whitkar added, “He always wanted perfect tuning of his tabla. He paid close attention to every small and large detail of the tabla – how it was made and when it was needed.
The paintings made do not count
During the conversation, Whitaker said that he had done so many tablas for Zakir Hussain that it was difficult to count them. ‘I’ve done a lot. I still have several of his tablas. In addition to making new musical instruments, I also repaired old musical instruments. I made him tabla and he made my life.
No regular contact, but a deep connection
When asked if he was in regular contact with Zakir Hussain, he said: “Not much. He only called when a new tabla was needed or the old one needed repair. Our conversations took place at intervals of several months. This cannot be called regular contact.
Heritage of Tabla manufacturing
Let us tell you, Haridas learned the art of making tabla from his childhood. His grandfather Kerappa Ramchandra Whatkar and father Ramchandra Kerappa Whatkar were also tabla makers. After coming to Mumbai in 1994, he started working with the Haribhau Vishwanath company. Now his sons Kishore and Manoj are also carrying on this tradition.
Final farewell to Zakir Hussain
Zakir Hussain, 73, considered the greatest tabla player of his generation, died in a San Francisco hospital. The artist, known worldwide for his art, is survived by his wife Antonia Minnecola and his two daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.
World famous tabla player and Padma Vibhushan Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away. News of his death broke Sunday evening, but the family confirmed it Monday morning. This news is trending on Google. See the Google trend below…
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