Kol tabla workshop artisans remember the down-to-earth Ustad, his generosity
Times of India | 18 December 2024
12 Kolkata: A day after the world mourned the loss of tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, artisans in Kolkata, who serviced the Ustad's tablas, shared their experiences, highlighting the legendary percussionist's modest demeanour despite his international acclaim.
At ‘Surlahori', a percussion instrument workshop on Beleghata Main Road, Ranjit Das and fellow craftsmen fondly remember when Ustad Zakir Hussain visited their shop for tabla ‘juari'. The maestro's visit to tune two of his tablas and a ‘baya' left an indelible impression. "He was so humble despite the height of his accomplishment, it still brings tears to my eyes," said Ranjit, the workshop's chief artisan.
Recounting the visit, he said, "On one fine day in 1992, Ustadji came to our shop as I was referred by another tabla maestro, Pandit Kumar Bose. He told me with folded hands that he wanted me to do ‘juari' (fine-tuning) for his tablas. He sat on a stool and told me that he would wait and take the tablas back with him after the tuning was finished," said Ranjit. As Zakir Hussain sat in the shop, a crowd of admirers thronged the place, forcing Ranjit to request him to return in the evening, as the tuning required intense concentration.
Ashok Das, another craftsman at the shop, remembered how the Ustad presented three Rs-500 notes, insisting it was for sweets, rather than payment. The maestro demonstrated his appreciation by performing a 15-minute tabla session after collecting his instruments.
At ‘Rhythm' workshop near Sangeet Research Academy, Mukto Das shared his two-decade-long association with Hussain. He said the maestro preferred balanced tuning between ‘sur' and ‘kani', favouring a heavier ‘kani'. Mukto treasures memories of Hussain's generosity, including being invited onto the Science City podium and receiving acknowledgement in interviews as his tabla-maker.
Shyamal Das of ‘Narayan Badya Bhander' in Chetla recollected an incident, when Hussain had called him onstage during a performance with Ustad Vilayet Khan to adjust the ‘chhors', insisting on giving him a monetary gift as a "brotherly gesture".
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