Chatra: Well-known tabla player Ashok Sinha of Hazaribag, a disciple of Ustad Allah Rakha and Zakir Hussain, mourns the loss of his legendary guru. A resident of the Jheel Road locality, Sinha is one of the few musicians who had direct connections with the greatest tabla maestros of the country.
Sinha was a student at the Ustad Allahrakkha Institute of Music from 1994 to 1999. He now runs Sanskritik Vikas Kendra, teaching various instruments and Kathak dance. Speaking exclusively to TOI, Sinha recalled his first meeting with Zakir Hussain at his Mumbai residence on Pedder Road, where he had gone with ghazal singer Akhtar Azad.
“I was speechless when Zakir Hussain himself opened the door and greeted me warmly. I just stood there, staring at my role model, unable to believe my eyes or even return his greeting,” Sinha reminisced.
During his training, everyone addressed Ustad Allahrakkha as “Abbaji”. Zakir Hussain, who frequently attended classes, would call Sinha “Guru Bhai” and share valuable insights with other students. “He would explain Abbaji’s expectations from his disciples and guide us accordingly. Both Abbaji and Zakir were our gurus,” Sinha said.
He also remembered Zakir Hussain as an incredibly humble person despite his legendary status. “At major concerts, he would personally escort senior artists like Hari Prasad Chaurasia to the stage even carrying their instruments. His humility was remarkable,” Sinha shared.