Meeting with God - aka Ustad Zakir Hussain, in Bangalore

This will remain etched in our memory forever. 13th Feb - a date with destiny. We had somehow managed to get tickets for a concert showcasing Ustad Zakir Hussain on Tabla, but hadn't bargained for the bonus at the end ...

The concert itself started with the opening act of Pt. Pravin Godkhindi on Flute, accompanied by Pt. Ravindra Yavagal on Tabla. Pt. Godkhindi was at his mellifluous best in Raag Yaman. The main act was Ustad Zakir Hussain on Tabla, accompanied by Sabir Khan on Sarangi. Sabir Khan is the son and disciple of the maestro Ustad Sultan Khan. Magical tabla playing. What a performance! Absolutely stunning!

And then the bonus ... We managed to somehow push our way through the crowd and meet with Ustad backstage. Yes, an actual face to face, cheek to jowl meeting with the maestro! Here are some photographs. We are still reliving the moment! :-)

Ustad Zakir Hussain comforting Aditya who had to struggle through the crowd to get close to the Ustad. He was gracious enough to hug Aditya and give him a personalized autograph!

Autograph of Ustad Zakir Hussain, addressed to Aditya! Wah Ustad!

Sabir Khan (Sarangi player, and son of Ustad Sultan Khan himself!), Aditya and Anup - Post concert photo op! :)