Honoring two Luminaries Ustad Zakir Hussain & Former Karnataka CM S.M. Krishna

Manasi Prasad
Classical Musician, Former Director & Current Board Member of IME

There are a select few artistes whose names become synonymous with their instrument. Bismillah Khan and the Shehnai, Ravi Shankar and the Sitar, Lalgudi Jayaraman and the violin. To this august and venerable group, undoubtedly belongs Zakir Hussain and the tabla. And it is a matter of great pride that the Indian Music Experience Museum holds a part of his glorious legacy, in the form of his tablas, which have a permanent home at the IME.

One need not be a classical music connoisseur or a trained musician to know and understand that this genius musician influenced how Indian music and the tabla was perceived, not just in India, but around the world.

Zakir Hussain was born, almost destined for a career in music, being the son and disciple of Alla Rakha, a legend in his own right. What was unprecedented, however, was the extent to which he took this ancient, Persian-influenced Indian percussion instrument, into the the ears of global audiences, the hearts of young people, and to the largest and most prestigious concert halls around the world.

When Zakir played, his music was a unique combination of astounding virtuosity, with a charming playfulness, always taking the listener along on a journey of storytelling through rhythm. His audience may not have always understood the complexities, patterns and mathematics in his playing, but they always resonated with his music and felt a connection to the colors, contrasts and emotions he created. And he played in a dazzling variety of contexts. Whether he was playing a tabla solo accompanied by the plaintive sarangi, or as an accompanist to Hindustani and Carnatic artists, or part of a jazz band, he moulded his soundscape to perfectly embellish each form of music, never overplaying his hand.

As we were planning for the inauguration of the IME, we knew we needed to invite an artiste whose stature mirrored the lofty intentions with which the museum was set up. A fortuitous turn of events resulted in Zakir Hussain not only accepting to be present for the inauguration on 27th July 2019, but performing alongside a team of stellar musicians including the jazz legend, Louis Banks.

On the day before the concert, there was record rainfall in Mumbai, which delayed their flight by over six to seven hours. Despite this, when Zakir ji reach- ed the venue, his trademark smile and sense of humour were intact, remarking that he had to battle nature’s fury to inaugurate the museum! Even after the sound check, as we were waiting for all the dignitaries to assemble for the inauguration, he playfully experimented with all the installations at the Sound Garden, making each installation come alive with sound. He even toured the museum’s exhibits after the performance, bemusedly pausing at his own picture, and humbly saying “Nice to be here among all these legends!”

The concert itself was a landmark, with some brilliant exchanges between the tabla, drums and bass guitar.

The end of the concert was truly poignant. While we had requested him to present his tablas for permanent display in the museum’s hall of fame, we were touched and honored that he presented the very same tablas that he played at the concert. As the museum’s Founder Mr. M R Jaishankar, alongwith Dr. Suma Sudhindra and I received the tablas, we felt a collective sense of both pride and responsibility. The role of institutions like IME in preserving our priceless musical heritage is critical, and the lakhs of visitors who have visited the museum since then are a testament to the IME’s pivotal role in music education and music appreciation in society. While Zakir Hussain may have passed on, his music will continue to inspire generations of musicians and students to come.

(L to R) Brigade Group Executive Chairman, M R Jaishankar, Dr. Suma Sudhindra, Trustee-IME, Ustad Zakir Hussain, SM Krishna, Chief Minister of Karnataka and Advisory Board Chairman of the Indian Music Experience Museum at the inauguration of the IME.

Dr. Suma Sudhindra
Trustee, IME

It is with profound sadness that we at the Indian Music Experience (IME) mourn the loss of our beloved Advisory Board Chairman, Shri S.M. Krishna (SMK Sir). His passing leaves an unfillable void in the world of art, music, and politics, and we are deeply grateful for the time he spent with us, guiding and supporting our endeavors.

SMK Sir was a true patron of the arts, and his love for music was evident in the way he lived his life. He had a deep appreciation for the classical traditions of India, and his enthusiasm was contagious. When we approached him to head our advisory board, he readily agreed, and over the next few years, he was instrumental in helping us shape the vision for IME.

During the formative years of our museum, SMK Sir was more than just a guiding light; he was a constant source of encouragement and support. He was also a hands-on contributor, always willing to lend a helping hand whenever needed.

What struck us most about SMK Sir was his gracious and soft-spoken nature. His passion for music was matched only by his love for tennis, humor, and old Kannada film songs. In the world of politics, it is rare to find individuals with such diverse interests and passions. SMK Sir was a true Renaissance man, and his love for music, in particular, was inspiring.

At IME, we will deeply miss SMK Sir's guidance, wisdom, and warmth. He was a friend, a mentor, and a source of inspiration. We will continue to draw strength from the values he embodied and strive to make IME a testament to his love for music and the arts. As we bid farewell to this remarkable individual, we pray for his soul to rest in peace. May his legacy continue to inspire us, and may his love for music remain a guiding force in our lives. We will cherish the memories of our time with him and honor his memory by continuing to promote the arts and music in all their forms.