The Other Side Of Zakir Hussain: Tabla Maestro's Contribution To Films From 'Manto' To 'Monkey Man'

Zakir Hussain’s legacy extends far beyond his virtuosity as a tabla player. He composed music for several notable films, including Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Manto (2018).

Zakir Hussain’s legacy extends far beyond his virtuosity as a tabla player.

Source : Instagram.

Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla maestro, passed away on Monday, December 16, at a hospital in San Francisco. He was 73 and had been battling idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease.

Renowned for his contributions to global music, Hussain transformed the tabla’s identity, elevating it on international platforms. His music spanned various genres and styles, collaborating with both Indian and global musicians.

Zakir Hussain's contribution to films

Hussain’s legacy extends far beyond his virtuosity as a tabla player. He composed music for several notable films, including Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Manto (2018), Aparna Sen’s Mr. and Mrs. Iyer (2002), and Parzania (2005). His work on films like Vanaprastham, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, remains highly acclaimed.

The percussionist also contributed to the soundtrack of In Custody (1993) alongside Sultan Khan, which explored the preservation of classical Indian music. His most recent film contribution was for Dev Patel’s The Monkey Man (2024), where he composed songs such as "The Tree," "Training," "Get Up," and "Snake and a Monkey."

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Zakir Hussain (@zakirhq9)

In addition to his musical genius, Hussain made his acting debut in the 1989 British drama Heat and Dust, for which he not only acted but also composed the soundtrack. He also appeared in Little Buddha (1993) and Apocalypse Now (1979), and contributed to films like The Perfect Murder and Saaz, where he acted alongside Shabana Azmi. His memorable track "Kya Tumne Hai Keh Diya" from Saaz remains iconic, as does "Phir Bhor Bhayee."

Hussain is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, and their daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.

Awards and Accolades

In a career spanning over six decades, Zakir Hussain received numerous accolades, including four Grammy Awards, three of which he won at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year. A celebrated percussionist and one of India’s most revered classical musicians, he was also honoured with the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.