Monkey Man To Manto: Zakir Hussain’s Unmatched Influence On Indian Cinema

Zakir Hussain was the eldest son of the famous tabla player Allah Rakha, who introduced him to music when he was just two days old.

Zakir Hussain became a global icon in both Indian classical and world music.

Source : Twitter/@sachin_rt

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away at the age of 73 in a San Francisco hospital, his family confirmed on Monday. He succumbed to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Hussain had been hospitalised for the past two weeks and was moved to the intensive care unit (ICU) after his condition worsened.

Born in Mumbai, Zakir Hussain was the eldest son of the famous tabla player Allah Rakha, who introduced him to music when he was just two days old.

Zakir Hussain became a global icon in both Indian classical and world music. He made history by winning three Grammy Awards in one night, becoming the first Indian to do so. He also worked on 12 films, contributing to Bollywood with memorable songs. His outstanding career earned him the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.

In addition to composing numerous iconic Bollywood songs that continue to be favorites among Indian audiences, Hussain also ventured into acting, demonstrating his remarkable versatility.

The Monkey Man (2024)

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain’s latest film appearance was in Monkey Man, directed by and starring Dev Patel. Playing a tabla master, Hussain engages in a unique jugalbandi with Patel's character, Kid, an underground fighter, blending tabla beats with boxing moves. Released internationally on April 5, 2024, the film awaits CBFC approval for its India release.

Manto (2018)

Zakir Hussain composed the background score for Nandita Das' acclaimed biopic Manto, based on the life of the prolific and controversial Urdu writer Saadat Hasan Manto, portrayed by Nawazuddin Siddiqui. His masterful tabla rhythms enriched the film's soundtrack, adding depth and nuance to its emotional and dramatic moments, further elevating the cinematic experience.

Parzania (2005)

Zakir Hussain composed the music for Rahul Dholakia’s critically acclaimed film Parzania, a National Award-winning movie inspired by the 2002 Gujarat riots. Featuring powerful performances by Naseeruddin Shah and Sarika in lead roles, the film’s poignant score added depth to its emotionally charged narrative.

Mr. and Mrs. Iyer (2002)

Zakir Hussain’s work on the 2002 film Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, directed by Aparna Sen, added depth to its memorable soundtrack. The film, set during a tense bus journey amidst communal unrest, tells the story of a growing bond between a Hindu woman (Konkona Sen Sharma) and a Muslim man (Rahul Bose). Hussain’s music beautifully complemented the film’s emotional tone and powerful narrative.

Vanaprastham (1999)

Zakir Hussain showcased his multifaceted talent in the acclaimed Malayalam film Vanaprastham, serving as composer, performer, and Indian music advisor. The film, a Cannes Film Festival entry, was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the AFI Los Angeles International Film Festival (AFI Fest) in 1999. It went on to win prestigious accolades, including awards at the 2000 Istanbul International Film Festival, the 2000 Mumbai International Film Festival, and the 2000 National Film Awards in India.

Saaz (1988)

Zakir Hussain showcased his versatility in the film Saaz, not only by composing two standout tracks—Kya Tumne Keh Diya, sung by Kavita Krishnamurthy, and Phir Bhor Bhayee, performed by Devaki Pandit—but also by appearing alongside Shabana Azmi in an acting role. These songs became highlights of a film deeply rooted in music, further solidifying Zakir Saab's multifaceted contributions to Indian cinema.

Heat and Dust (1983)

Zakir Hussain made his acting debut in the 1983 British drama Heat and Dust, where he played the soft-spoken Inder Lal opposite Julie Christie, showcasing his talent in a tender romance. His association with cinema extended to both English and Hindi films, particularly with Merchant-Ivory productions. 

In Custody (1993)

Zakir Hussain contributed to the musical score of the 1993 Ismail Merchant-directed film, collaborating with renowned artists like Sultan Khan, Fazal Qureshi, and Ulhas Bapat. He directed the music for the song Naseeb Aazmane Ke, beautifully rendered by Shankar Mahadevan, and also composed the soulful track Dil Thahar Jayega. The film boasted a stellar cast, including Shashi Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Om Puri, Neena Gupta, Amjad Khan, and more, further elevating its cinematic appeal.