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Zakir Hussain Death: What Was The Story Behind The Tabla Maestro`s Long Hair?
Updated on: 16 December, 2024 01:56 PM IST |Shweta Shah
Story Behind Ustad Zakir Hussain`s Long Hair
India`s pride and tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain passes away, leaving an irreplaceable void in every music lover`s heart. It was in the 1980s that the legendary musician became the face of Taj Mahal Tea through a series of memorable television ads. For those who don`t know, Hussain was dressed in traditional attire and flaunted his long, curly hair while effortlessly playing the tabla.
Despite being a prominent name in the Hindi music scene, it was through these commercials that he became a household name. What stood out was the tagline "Wah! Taj" with which every ad ended.
However, the fame Zakir Hussain gained through these TV commercials came at the cost of a weird commitment.
Hussain was not allowed to cut his long hair as a part of his contract with Taj Mahal Tea.
Also Read: Tabla Maestro Ustaad Zakir Hussain Passes Away at 73 in San Francisco
It was the tabla maestro who humorously revealed this information and shared, "I couldn’t showcase my musical skills in 30 seconds, but I could make my hair move! I’m still their goodwill ambassador, and I’m not allowed to cut my hair, even though it’s falling out."
Another story connected to his unique hairstyle was that he didn`t grow it because he liked it, but because he didn`t have any money to cut it.
“When I first went to the U.S., I had short hair, but I noticed hippies with long hair. I couldn’t afford haircuts, earning just $25 a week during my first year in college, so I let it grow. I was also inspired by other artists in the rock ‘n’ roll group Shanti, where I performed,” Zakir Hussain once shared.
On December 15, Hussain`s sister Khurshid Aulia confirmed his demise and said, “He passed away very peacefully after the ventilation machine was switched off. This was 4 pm San Francisco time.”
The heartbreaking news came shortly after he announced his India tour. The Grammy-winning musician was all set to embark on their As We Speak India tour in 2025 along with Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Rakesh Chaurasia.
Radio City extends its heartfelt condolences to the Hussain family. Rest in peace, legend.
Despite being a prominent name in the Hindi music scene, it was through these commercials that he became a household name. What stood out was the tagline "Wah! Taj" with which every ad ended.
However, the fame Zakir Hussain gained through these TV commercials came at the cost of a weird commitment.
Story behind Zakir Hussain`s long hair
Have you ever wondered why the musician always kept long hair? Well, it was not to make the hairstyle his signature but because of a clause that came along with the contract with the tea brand. Yes, you read that right.Hussain was not allowed to cut his long hair as a part of his contract with Taj Mahal Tea.
Also Read: Tabla Maestro Ustaad Zakir Hussain Passes Away at 73 in San Francisco
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It was the tabla maestro who humorously revealed this information and shared, "I couldn’t showcase my musical skills in 30 seconds, but I could make my hair move! I’m still their goodwill ambassador, and I’m not allowed to cut my hair, even though it’s falling out."
Another story connected to his unique hairstyle was that he didn`t grow it because he liked it, but because he didn`t have any money to cut it.
“When I first went to the U.S., I had short hair, but I noticed hippies with long hair. I couldn’t afford haircuts, earning just $25 a week during my first year in college, so I let it grow. I was also inspired by other artists in the rock ‘n’ roll group Shanti, where I performed,” Zakir Hussain once shared.
About Zakir Hussain`s death
The legendary tabla maestro and music composer passed away at 73 after complications arising from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He was admitted in the United States and was soon shifted to the ICU after experiencing heart-related problems.On December 15, Hussain`s sister Khurshid Aulia confirmed his demise and said, “He passed away very peacefully after the ventilation machine was switched off. This was 4 pm San Francisco time.”
The heartbreaking news came shortly after he announced his India tour. The Grammy-winning musician was all set to embark on their As We Speak India tour in 2025 along with Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Rakesh Chaurasia.
Radio City extends its heartfelt condolences to the Hussain family. Rest in peace, legend.
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