For Anuradha Pal, the death of tabla legend Ustad Zakir Hussain is a deep personal loss. Anuradha Pal is known as the world’s first professional female tabla player and has a special connection with Hussain, who trained her. She also regards him as her teacher, father figure, brother and a friend. Anuradha got acquainted with Zakir in the fifth year of her life . She played the tabla at her aunt’s wedding and he saw her playing. He proposed to her whether she would like to play the tabla whenever she feels like growing up, and she replied positively. He then allowed her to sit on his lap and he explained to her how the tabla was played.
A Lasting Influence
Anuradha was also trained by Ustad Allarakha Khan, the father of present day’s master Zakir Hussain and Zakir himself. She thus graduated their gonda-bandhan materials disciple. For Anuradha it was a beautiful memory when Zakir used to teach her. She said that the talks of music, tabla, and life are frequently close to her heart. He explained to her that there is no rigidity to Indian classical music and that it’s all about freestyle. Anuradha has a memory of time when after the concert Zakir gave her new composition for the practise at night. He listened to her concert recordings that made her improve and gave her constructive criticism.
Anuradha Pal : Breaking Barriers
Anuradha has claimed that, thanks to Zakir Hussain, she has been very successful in the male dominated field of Tabla. He knew the issues she was experiencing as a woman in this line and urged her to chart many options with music. She recalls how joyous he was that she was listed in 1991 Limca Book of Records as the first woman professional tabla player in the world. Anuradha makes it clear to us to understand that Zakir was not proud of her because she was a woman; rather he was pleased to see one fulfilling his expectation.
For detailed story, please visit: Awaz the voice
Also Read: Prazna Foundation: A Compassionate Approach to Menstrual Health and Women’s Dignity
You can connect with DNN24 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
