Ustad Zakir Hussain flags off Heartbeats

Maestro Hussain will be performing along with famed percussionist Sivamani and his Remember Shakti bandmates,singer Shankar Mahadevan,mandolin exponent U Shrinivas and percussionist Selvaganesh.

“The concert will bring forward the best of Indian cultural heritage — classical as well as non-classical. That’s the reason why we’re associated with Saptarang,which means seven colours. We’re representing the different shades of Indian music,” said the Grammy-winning tabla player.

Asked if the music at the concert will be fusion,Hussain said,“I don’t like using the word ‘fusion’. What is actually happening is the natural evolution of music. What you hear today has probably been played before in the 5000 year history of music; only the styles have changed.”

He also explained his reasons for performing fewer concerts by saying that senior musicians like him need to stay away from the public eye,so that young talent can find its spot in the sun. “If I accept every concert I’m offered,no one will encourage the new artistes.”