Zakir Hussain

🪔 About

Zakir Hussain is a renowned Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, research scholar, and teacher from South India. Hailing from a traditional Muslim family in Salem, he pursued his passion for Bharatanatyam after graduating in fibre technology from Thyagaraja campus, moving to Chennai to train. He received his Bharatanatyam training under the esteemed Smt. Chitra Visweswaran and studied dance theory under Smt. Krishnaveni Lakshmanan of Kalakshetra. Hussain possesses a deep understanding of the Vedas, Agamas, and Indian scriptures, particularly the Vaishnavite tradition, which he integrates into his dance. He has conducted extensive research on Paancharaatra Agama and Vaikaanasam, interpreting ritualistic mudras into Bharatanatyam. His knowledge of epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana has enabled him to conceptualize and choreograph dance dramas such as Paanchali Sabadham and Seethayanam. He is also a composer, having created numerous original Tamil 'Padams', 'Varnams', and 'Sabdhams'. As a complete dancer, Zakir Hussain not only performs and choreographs but also performs nattuvangam and designs costumes, jewels, lighting, and sets for his productions. He has traveled globally, promoting Bharatanatyam in countries including France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, and Canada. His contributions to the arts have been recognized internationally, including by the Toronto Arts Council and the Canadian House of Commons. He is also known for encouraging and guiding both his own students and those of other gurus. Awards & Honours: Senior Scholarship (1992), Social Recognition Award (1994), Kalaimamani Award (2009), Senior Fellowship, Recognition and Honor, Scholarship.