Zakir Hussain

Bharatnatyam dancer, choreographer

Biography

Zakir Hussain, a well known research scholar and dancer hails from a traditional Muslim family in South India. After graduating in fibre technology Thyagaraja campus in his home town of Salem, he chose to pursue his passion for Bharatha Natyam and left his family behind to move to Chennai. In Chennai, He fulfilled his lifelong dream of learning Bharthanatyam under Smt. Chitra Visweswaran, the world renowned dancer and choreographer. He also learned dance theory under Smt. Krishnaveni Lakshmanan of Kalakshetra.

Zakir was able to embark on his dream journey as a professional dancer thanks to the support of many such as actors Rajnikanth, Sathyaraj and entrepreneur Nalli Kuppusamy Chetti. He has also received scholarship from Kala Mandir Trust. The President of India recognized his talent as a dancer and awarded him a senior scholarship in 1992 for 3 years.

Though a Muslim by birth, he possesses a deep understanding and knowledge of the Vedas, Agamas, and Indian scriptures, especially of the Vaishnavite tradition. He has done research on Paancharaatra Agama, Vaikaanasam and interpreted the ritualistic mudras into Bharatnatyam. The ‘Government of India’ awarded Zakir Hussain ‘Senior Fellowship’ to do research on ‘Vaishnava Agamas’.

Zakir's vast knowledge of epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana helped him conceptualize dance dramas such as Paanchali Sabadham and Seethayanam. He has also composed many original Tamil 'Padams', 'Varnams' and 'Sabdhams'. Zakir not only encourages his own students but also encourages students of other gurus to perform under his guidance.

Zakir Hussain is a complete dancer who composes songs, choreographs, and performs nattuvangam. For his own productions, he also serves as the costume, jewel designer, lighting and set designer.

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Zakir Hussain.

Zakir Hussain a dance performer.

Zakir Hussain

Zakir Hussain.

Dancer Zakir Hussain.

Zakir Hussain performing in dance program.

Zakir Hussain.

Career

Zakir has traveled worldwide promoting the art of Bharatha Natyam to countries like France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Switz-er-Land and Canada. His contributions to the Canadian art scene was recognized and honored by the Toronto Arts Council and the Canadian House of Commons.

Zakir Hussain was invited to give lectures at the University of Sri Lanka's Jaffna campus and Batticoloa campus. The University of Madras, Department of Vaishnavism has also invited him to give Lecture on Vaishnava Mudras Interpreted in Bharathanatyam.

Zakir Hussain interpreted Ritualistic Hand Gestures (Mudras) into Bharathanatyam. The scholars considered this work as his greatest contribution to this great Art. The Government of India recognize his work and granted him for ‘Senior Fellowship’

Productions :

*2012 - Rose is a Rose - A musical Opera staged at Toronto, Canada

*2011 - Vanamaalai - Researched presentation on Periyaazhwar and Aandal Paasurams

*2010 - Sri Ranganayagam - Tradition & History of SriRangam Temple composed by Smt. Revathi Sankaran

*2010 - Shivoham - Smt. Lakshmi Venkatesh presented Shivoham Researched and Choreographed by Zakir Hussain on ‘Advaitha Philosophy’

*2009 - Ethiraja Vaibhavam - Life of Sri Ramanuja Charya composed by Smt. Revathi Sankaran

*2009 - Shri Maatha - Smt. Lakshmi Venkatesh presented Shri Maatha Researched and Choreographed by Zakir Hussain on ‘SAAKTHA’ cult.

*2008 - NARAYANAM - Researched presentation on Vaishnava Aagamas composed by Smt. Revathi Sankaran

*2005 - Mathura Meenakshi - Explorations of goddess Meenakshi’s nine different expressions as explained in the Natya Sashtra. composed by Shri Lalgudi G.Jayaraman

*2004 - Vallalhal - A dance drama elaborating the virtues of the seven noble Tamil kings of the Sangam era composed by Smt. Revathi Sankaran

*2003 - Sudar Oli - 120 dancers participated in the dance Drama about the transformation of a common girl to folk hero

*2001 - Seethayanam - Comparative study of Kamba Ramayanam and Vaalmeeki Ramayana. A dance drama that speaks of Seetha’s greatness as seen through the eyes of a devotee.

*2001 - Cinderella - Zakir Hussain fused various Asian dance styles to bring out the universality of this tale.

*2000 - Dasavatharam - Elaborations about the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu composed by Kavignar Kannadasan

*1998 - Sudharsanam - Thematic presentation on Vaishnavam. Dr.Padma Subramanyam composed a pada varnam for Zakir Hussain.

*1996 - Rajalahari - Set to the compositions of maestro Illayaraja. Illayaraja composed songs especially for Zakir Hussain.

SriPaadham Academy :

SriPaadham Academy of Dance aims to impart sound training in the technique of Bharatha Natyam and its nuanced expression. Introducing the dancer to the history of this ancient dance, our training focuses on dance as a communicative device that recreates and articulates the rich body of Indian legend and mythology.

For more details about SriPaadham : http://www.sabhash.com/directory/3/music-and-dance-schools.html.

Programs

Zakir Hussain presents lecture demonstration on Bharatnatyam dance.

Zakir Hussain presents Bharatnatyam Dance program.

Zakir has travelled worldwide promoting the art of Bharatha Natyam to countries like France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Switzer Land and Canada. His contributions to the Canadian art scene was recognized and honored by the Toronto Arts Council and the Canadian House of Commons.

Awards & Achievements

Zakir Hussain also received scholarship from Kala Mandir Trust. The President of India recognized his talent as a dancer and awarded him a senior scholarship in 1992 for 3 years.