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The demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain has deeply shocked his tabla maker Haridas Whitkar. Whitkar, 59, who is a third-generation tabla maker, emotionally told PTI, ‘I first started making tabla for his father Allah Rakha Ji. I have been making tabla for Zakir Hussain Sahab since 1998.
Last meeting in August
Whitkar further told that his last meeting with Ustad Zakir Hussain was in August this year. Regarding this he said, ‘It was the day of Guru Purnima. We met in a hall, where many of his fans were also present. The next day I went to his house in Shimla House Society on Nepean Sea Road. We remained engrossed in conversation for hours.
Was a perfectionist regarding tabla
Discussing Zakir Hussain’s passion and perfection for the tabla, Whitkar further said, ‘He always wanted perfect tuning of his tabla. He paid special attention to every small and big detail of the tabla – how it was made and when it was needed.
Tables made do not count
During the conversation, Whitaker told that he has made so many tablas for Zakir Hussain that it is difficult to count. ‘Made lots of them. I still have many of his tablas. Along with making new musical instruments, I also used to repair old musical instruments. I made tabla for him and he made my life.
Not regular contact, but deep connection
When asked whether he was in regular touch with Zakir Hussain, he said, ‘Not much. He used to call only when a new tabla was required or the old one needed to be repaired. Our conversations used to happen at intervals of months. This cannot be called regular contact.
Heritage of Tabla Making
Let us tell you, Haridas learned the art of making tabla in his childhood itself. His grandfather Kerappa Ramchandra Whatkar and father Ramchandra Kerappa Whatkar were also tabla makers. After coming to Mumbai in 1994, he started working with Haribhau Vishwanath Company. Now his sons Kishore and Manoj are also carrying forward this tradition.
Last farewell to Zakir Hussain
Zakir Hussain, 73, considered the greatest tabla player of his generation, died in a San Francisco hospital. The artist, who is world famous for his art, is survived by his wife Antonia Minnecola and two daughters, Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.
