Mumbai: Legendary tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, who passed away on Monday at the age of 73, leaves behind a legacy of unparalleled contributions to Indian classical music and world music alike. But did you know when and how he first earned the title “Ustad”? It was a moment he cherished for life, shared with two of his greatest inspirations: his father, Ustad Allah Rakha, and the iconic Pandit Ravi Shankar.  

The year was 1988. Zakir Hussain, already a rising star in the world of music, became the youngest Indian to receive the prestigious Padma Shri award. Recalling the moment during an old interview with Doordarshan, he shared a delightful anecdote.  

“When the Padma Shri award was announced for me, it was 4 am. Someone came with a newspaper. I was performing at St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai with Pandit Ravishankar Ji. My father, Ustad Allah Rakha, was also sitting in the front row," he said.  

As the news spread, Zakir’s father, unable to contain his joy, sent word to Pandit Ravi Shankar, who was sharing the stage with Zakir. Then came the unforgettable announcement from Panditji himself.  

“Panditji announced my Padma Shri on stage and called me ‘Ustad’ for the first time,” Zakir reminisced.

“It was a very special moment for me, as it was announced in front of my father and Pandit Ravi Shankar Ji, two of my biggest inspirations.”  

A Journey full of laurels  

This was just the beginning of Zakir Hussain’s remarkable journey. Over the years, he would go on to receive the Padma Bhushan in 2002 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023. He also won the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1990 and multiple international accolades, including five Grammy Awards.  

In 2024, Zakir made history by winning three Grammys on the same day. He clinched awards for Best Global Music Performance for 'Pashto', Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for 'As We Speak', and Best Instrumental Composition for 'Motion'.  

(Agency inputs)