Archive · 17 Jan 2026
Dayanita Singh Exhibits Zakir Hussain's Life in Photos
A famous photographer named Dayanita Singh has put together a special photo show about the famous tabla player Ustad Zakir Hussain.
The show has about 300 pictures taken over 40 years, showing Zakir's everyday life, like eating, practicing music, and spending time with family.
The photos were taken in places like his home in Mumbai.
Dayanita started taking these pictures when she was a young student and Zakir became her mentor, teaching her about focus and dedication.
The show is now open to the public in Mumbai and will be there until February 3.
Dayanita hopes that through these pictures, people can learn more about Zakir's life and his impact on music and photography.
Dayanita Singh's photo exhibition 'Zakir Hussain — Learning to Learn' showcases 300 images of Ustad Zakir Hussain's life over four decades.
The exhibition captures ordinary moments of Hussain's life, including his practice, family interactions, and daily routines.
Singh's photography journey began in the 1980s when she met Hussain and started documenting his life with his mentorship.
The exhibition is on display at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai until February 3.
Singh aims to replicate the exhibit permanently, possibly in an apartment at Simla House, to remember Hussain annually.
- Who
- Dayanita Singh, a renowned photo artist, and Ustad Zakir Hussain, a tabla virtuoso.
- What
- A photo exhibition titled 'Zakir Hussain — Learning to Learn' showcasing 300 images of Hussain's life over four decades.
- When
- The exhibition opened last month on Hussain's first death anniversary and is on display until February 3.
- Where
- The exhibition is held at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai.
- Why
- The exhibition aims to capture the ordinary, lived moments of Hussain's life, showcasing his routine and personal interactions away from the stage.
- Exhibition Title
- Zakir Hussain — Learning to Learn
- Exhibition Location
- Mumbai’s National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA)
- Exhibition Duration
- Until February 3
- Photographer
- Dayanita Singh
- Subject
- Ustad Zakir Hussain
- Photography Duration
- Over four decades
- Notable Award
- Hasselblad Award (2022)
- Key Location
- Simla House, Mumbai’s Malabar Hill