ALLA RAKHA QURESHI

April 7, 2019

This month, Cultural organizations will celebrate the birth centenary of Ustad Alla Rakha, the maestro who lifted the tabla from the margins of Hindustani classical music and placed it under the spotlight.

About:

Ustad Alla rakha Qureshi (1919 – 2000) was popularly known as Alla Rakha.
Instrument played: He was an Indian tabla player specialized in Hindustani Classical music. He was a frequent accompanist of sitar player Ravi Shankar.
Legacy:
- He popularised the art of tabla, playing across the globe, elevating the status of his instrument.
- He also bridged the gap between Carnatic music and Hindustani music by playing with both renowned Carnatic musicians and other Hindustani stalwarts.
Awards: Rakha was awarded the Padma Shri in 1977 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1982.
Family: His eldest son, Zakir Hussain is also an accomplished tabla player.