Fazal Qureshi, the celebrated tabla maestro and brother of the late Zakir Hussain, recently visited Ahmedabad, continuing his four-decade-long relationship with the city's vibrant music scene. The accomplished musician, who has been performing in Ahmedabad since the 1980s, opened up about the city's knowledgeable audience, his teaching philosophy, and carrying forward his family's extraordinary legacy in Indian classical music.
Ahmedabad's Discerning Music Lovers
Qureshi's connection with Ahmedabad spans over forty years, and he expresses deep respect for the city's audience. "You cannot take the audience in Ahmedabad for granted," he emphasizes. "They possess genuine knowledge of music, creating a highly educated crowd that keeps performers on their toes." He credits institutions like the Saptak School of Music and Darpana Academy of Performing Arts for cultivating this sophisticated listening community.
Teaching the Next Generation of Musicians
The Qureshi family's contribution to Indian classical music remains unparalleled, with Fazal acknowledging how different family members inspired various generations. "My brother Zakir bhai played a monumental role in popularizing classical music among younger audiences," he reflects. This influence continues today with remarkably young students showing dedication to the art form.
Qureshi observes a domino effect in music education, noting that "we now have very young learners, 9 and 10-year-olds, who show remarkable commitment." His teaching philosophy focuses on individuality rather than imitation. "I teach them everything I know, but no two minds or bodies are the same. I don't want them to simply follow me—they must develop their own practice routines and find their unique expression through the instrument."
Preserving Legacy in the Age of Technology
In today's technology-driven music landscape, Qureshi maintains that artificial intelligence cannot replace human emotion in musical performance. "AI may accomplish many technical feats, but it cannot evoke genuine emotions or create memorable music," he states. He believes that despite technological advancements like autotune making music increasingly generic, the distinctive qualities of legendary artists continue to stand out.
The sudden passing of his brother Zakir Hussain last year left a profound impact on the music world and Qureshi personally. "The legacy Zakir bhai left behind inspires everyone in the field," he shares. While acknowledging the complexity of his brother's style, Qureshi incorporates elements learned from their performances together into his teaching methodology.
Despite his own celebrated career, Qureshi remains humble about his role within his family's illustrious musical tradition. "I see my contribution as modest compared to my father Ustad Alla Rakha and Zakir bhai," he reveals. "My brother broke the mould and established a unique style that everyone aspires to emulate. I'm simply finding my footing to carry this legacy forward through teaching and performance."
