- Monday, December 16, 2024
Mumbai-based Vhatkar has made countless tablas for the legendary percussionist since 1998, and maintained his collection of older instruments
By: Shajil Kumar
WHEN Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away in San Francisco at the age of 73, tributes poured in for the legendary percussionist known for bridging Hindustani, Western, and jazz music.
Among those reflecting on his impact was Haridas Vhatkar, the tabla maker who crafted the instruments that accompanied Hussain on global stages.
“I made tablas for him, and he made my life,” said Vhatkar, a third-generation tabla maker based in Mumbai, who had worked with Hussain since 1998.
Vhatkar first met the maestro on Guru Poornima at a gathering of admirers. This meeting marked the beginning of a decades-long relationship, even though their interactions were infrequent.
Recalling Hussain’s attention to detail, Vhatkar said, “He was very particular about what sort of tabla he wanted and when. He paid a lot of attention to the tuning aspect of the musical instrument.” Vhatkar’s dedication to craftsmanship earned Hussain’s trust and praise.
Hussain had publicly acknowledged Vhatkar’s skill, stating in Zakir Hussain: A Life in Music – A Conversation with Nasreen Munni Kabir: “He does everything from scratch – he gets the buffalo hide straps, polishes and cleans the goat skin to get the rough edges out. The whole process can take weeks… He has become the Steinway of the tabla!”
Over the years, Vhatkar not only made countless new tablas for Hussain but also maintained and repaired his collection of older instruments.
Despite their sporadic conversations, Hussain ensured Vhatkar’s financial stability by placing him on a stipend. “So, if I’m gone for eight months, he does not have to worry,” the musician explained.
Vhatkar, who learned tabla making as a child and came to Mumbai in 1994, now runs his workshop in Kanjurmarg, with his sons continuing the family tradition.
“Besides making new instruments, I was also his sort of repair department for maintaining the collection of the older ones,” Vhatkar said, seated amid shelves of tablas.
Reflecting on their partnership, he added, “I made tablas for him, and he made my life.”
