Percussion doyens recall the chenda-tabla bonding

AS the world of music mourns the loss of Zakir Hussain—a maestro whose tabla beats transcended borders, cultures, and genres—two doyens of percussion, Mattannur Sankarankutty Marar and Peruvanam Kuttan Marar, recall memories of his artistry, humility, and love for fellow musicians.

- KRISHNA P.S

"I consider it my good fortune, a blessing, to have had the opportunity to perform with Zakirji," says Mattannur. "I may be the only percussion artist from Kerala to have had this privilege."

Their first meeting was during the pre-production of Shaji N Karun's National Award-winning film 'Vanaprastham' in Thiruvananthapuram.

"When Shaji and actor Mohanlal introduced me as a chenda vidwan, Zakirji expressed interest in seeing my Thayambaka [percussion]. I performed with my team, and Zakirji recorded it on a cassette. That was the beginning of our friendship," Mattannur recalls.