Tributes paid: Tabla maestro Shoukat Hussain remembered

Lok Virsa pays due homage to the talented artist

Disciples of famed tabla maestro Mian Shoukat Hussain gave a mesmerising performance late on Thursday to pay tribute to their teacher.

A never-seen-before video interview of the maestro was also screened.

In a tribute ceremony organised at the Lok Virsa to pay homage to the maestro, Mohammad Ajmal,Ijaz Hussain Jaji and Mani  - all disciples of Hussain played the table. Ustad Salamat Ali supported them with his masterful singing.

Earlier, Dr Fozia Saeed, the executive director of Lok Virsa, said that it was necessary to remember Hussain for his contribution to playing the tabla.

She added that unlike his father, who was a well known singer, Hussain chose an instrument and proved his mettle in it.

“Even though Hussain is not among us but his presence in Lok Virsa would always be remembered.”

On the occasion a video featuring an interview of Hussain was also screened.

University of Punjab Music department head Asrar Hussain Chishti gave a brief lecture on the life of Hussain. He added that such was the mastery of the tabla player that it earned him a pride of performance award.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 28^th, 2017.