Did Shankar Mahadevan Honor Tabla Legend Zakir Hussain During Ganeshotsav?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shankar Mahadevan pays tribute to Zakir Hussain during Ganeshotsav.
- The performance includes the vocal art form Konnakol.
- ‘Shringaar’ is a heartfelt homage to the late maestro.
- Zakir Hussain's legacy continues to inspire musicians.
- Music serves as a unifying force in celebrations.
Mumbai, Sep 4 (NationPress) — Renowned music composer and vocalist Shankar Mahadevan paid a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain at his residence amidst the joyous celebrations of Ganeshotsav.
Shankar shared an enchanting video on his Instagram, capturing the musical ambiance of his home. Dressed in a vibrant pink kurta pyjama, he was joined by the talented music duo Salim-Sulaiman who orchestrated the performance.
Together, they rendered the composition ‘Shringaar’, originally created by Salim-Sulaiman. The video opened with Shankar performing Konnakol, a vocal art form that articulates rhythmic syllables, intrinsic to South Indian Carnatic music. Konnakol serves as a percussive language, vital for expressing intricate rhythmic cycles known as taal, and is an integral part of the broader concept of solkattu, which involves counting the tala using hand gestures.
In his heartfelt caption, Shankar expressed, “Some moments remain etched in your memory forever. Performing ‘Shringaar’ for the first time in our home, in the presence of Bappa, surrounded by loved ones, was truly a blessing.”
He continued, “This song is a humble tribute to the extraordinary Ustad Zakir Hussain Sahab. I invite you to listen and share your love.”
‘Shringaar’ is a classical pop piece highlighting Shankar’s vocals and serves as a sincere homage to their mentor, the late Zakir Hussain. Although Salim-Sulaiman envisioned pairing Shankar's voice with Zakir's artistry, fate had different plans as Zakir Hussain sadly passed away in December 2024. The song narrates a tale of a lover conveying that their beloved’s innate beauty requires no embellishment.
Previously, Shankar reflected on legends like Ustad Zakir Hussain, describing them as “walking encyclopedias.”
He emphasized that being in his presence was not just about learning music; it was also an opportunity to embrace humility, teamwork, and the positive influence music can have on society.