Zakir Hussain's Journey from Home at Age Six

Renowned tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, who passed away on December 15 at the age of 73 after battling idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, remains a significant figure in the world of music. His passing has profoundly impacted his fans and the entire music community. Zakir's journey with music began at a very young age; he started playing the tabla when he was just 3 years old and had his first public performance at the age of 11. However, a lesser-known aspect of his early life is the time he left home at the tender age of 6.

Why Did Zakir Hussain Run Away from Home?

In a nostalgic interview on the show Rendezvous With Simi Garewal, Zakir Hussain shared the story behind his impulsive decision to leave home. At the age of 6, he felt a strong desire to pursue music despite his mother’s resistance. His mother wanted him to stay away from music, which made him very sad. In search of freedom, he confided in a woman named Pujaran, expressing his wish to run away together. He recalled saying to her, ‘Let’s run away, you sing, and I will play the tabla, and we can earn a living this way.’ This moment reflected his determination to follow his passion.

The Return Home

With just a few belongings packed into his school bag, Zakir left home. During the interview, Simi Garewal was astonished and asked how he planned to sustain himself after leaving. Zakir Hussain noted that thoughts of food crossed his mind, but ultimately, it was his father and guru, Allah Rakha, who motivated him to return home. He expressed, ‘How will I get food? But deep inside, I knew that what I needed was here, my father and guru.’ This realization led him back, highlighting the importance of family and mentorship in his life.

Zakir Hussain's musical journey was remarkable, as he later collaborated with numerous international artists, enriching the global music scene. In the wake of his passing, his family released a heartfelt statement, praising his influence as a teacher and mentor. They emphasized that his dream was to inspire future generations, and he will be remembered as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of his time.

As the music world mourns his loss, his legacy as a visionary artist continues to inspire many.

Zakir, Hussain, Music