New Delhi, April 28: Ustad Alla Rakha Khan, a legendary figure in Indian classical music, dedicated himself to the art of tabla playing at just 12 years old. He rose to international fame in the 1960s through his collaboration with Pandit Ravi Shankar.
Born on April 29, 1919, in the village of Ghagwal, Jammu and Kashmir, Alla Rakha hailed from a Muslim Dogra family. Despite his family’s reluctance for him to pursue music, he followed his passion.
He received training from Ustad Miyan Qadir Baksh of the Punjab gharana, mastering both tabla and pakhawaj. In a short time, he became All India Radio’s first solo tabla player. His performances were characterized by exceptional control over rhythm, rapid-fire bols, and emotional expression.
Alla Rakha is credited with bringing the tabla to a global audience, largely due to his long-standing partnership with Pandit Ravi Shankar. Their performances in the 1960s sparked a wave of interest in Indian classical music across Europe and America, captivating audiences at events like the Monterey Pop Festival and Woodstock.
He played a crucial role in establishing the tabla not just as an accompanying instrument, but also as a solo instrument. Throughout his career, he collaborated with numerous classical artists. In 1985, he founded the Alla Rakha Institute of Music in Mumbai, where he trained hundreds of students. His son, Ustad Zakir Hussain, has become a superstar in the world of tabla, continuing his father’s legacy.
Ustad Alla Rakha Khan was honored with the Padma Shri in 1977 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1982. He passed away from a heart attack on February 3, 2000, but the echoes of his tabla still resonate today.
Zakir Hussain gained fame at a young age, benefiting from his father’s teachings. He received the Padma Shri in 1988 at the youngest age for tabla playing, followed by the Padma Bhushan in 2002 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023, India’s second-highest civilian award.
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