The Beat Stops: Zakir Hussain, The Best Monetized, Non-Bollywood Music Brand, Leaves An Indelible Legacy

The world of music has lost it’s flag-bearer in the world of brands. Zakir Hussain, the tabla maestro, and one of India's most celebrated musicians, has left an irreplaceable void in the music industry. With a career spanning over five decades, Zakir Hussain was not only a musical genius but also a savvy entrepreneur, building a brand that transcended the world of music.

Zakir Hussain's impressive career has been highlighted by numerous accolades. Some of his significant awards include the Padma Shri (1988) - Padma Bhushan (2002) - Grammy Award for Best World Music Album (1992) for collaboration with Mickey Hart, National Heritage Fellowship (2015). Lesser known fact, however, is that he also has represented as the brand ambassador of dozens of brands like Lufthansa, Tata Motors, Mahindra Rise, Tata Tea, Puma, Reebok, Dainik Bhaskar, Canon, Sula & Rolex. These are besides his interesting association with music brands like Yamaha, Sennheiser, Roland & Harmon Kardon 

Zakir Hussain was a perfect balance between being a purist musician and a savvy human brand. He leveraged his brand to partner with several prominent companies for their ambassorship, often unlikely candidates, and yet stayed away from making himself look overtly-commercial by refraining from being available for many private branded shows. His famous endrosements included the Taj Mahal Tea endorsement in 1988, where the punchline, “Wah Ustad, Wah” became a mainline referral for decades. Zakir Hussain teamed up with Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Tea to create that unforgettable ad that showcased his passion for music and the brand's commitment to quality. The campaign, which featured Hussain, was more than just a marketing success. It honoured India's heritage by combining the grandeur of the Taj Mahal with Hussain's mastery of rhythm. His universal appeal cut across generational lines, making the campaign a lasting symbol of India's changing identity. 

As a Rolex ambassador, he represented the brand’s ethos of excellence and meticulous craftsmanship. The collaboration celebrated the synergy between art and horology, with Zakir epitomising dedication to his craft, much like the brand that epitomize perfection in timekeeping.

As news of his passing spread, tributes have poured in from across the globe, celebrating his life, music, and enduring legacy. However, less might be said about the fact that he was the best known and monetised classical music brand now making Anoushka Shankar the next possible brand heir.  Zakir Hussain may be gone, but his music, his spirit, and his brand will continue to live on, inspiring and influencing the world of music for years to come.