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Self Stats
Born in a family where tabla was the bread and butter, there were these two pillars, his father Ustad Allarakha and brother Ustad Zakir Hussain, who were always there guiding and getting him ready for the world of rhythm. Since the time he started playing on stage and rhythm-programming in studios, he always wanted to work on exploring wider prospects of world rhythm through composing, music production and the ever inspiring world of live performances. With Zakirbhai's inspirational support, his parents’ blessings and his wife Geetika’s support and understanding push he plunged into the exquisite, exotic and exciting world of rhythm.
Childhood
In school Taufiq used to avoid marching with the other students by telling his P.T. (physical training) teacher that he would play the snare drum to give rhythm for others to march on, and although he had no knowledge of drumming he was successful enough to stay out of the sun! His first exposure to drumming other than Tabla came when at the age of may be eleven or twelve, when he heard a long play record of the great drummer Buddy Rich and his father Ustad Allarakha {known to all as Abbaji). At the age of fifteen, Taufiq heard his brother, Ustad Zakir Hussains’ experiments with his bands Diga , Shanti and Shakti. These recordings were etched in his mind forever, and are to a great extent responsible for his transition from Tabla to World Percussions.
Growing into a young man
St. Xavier's, Mumbai, is a college where, education is imparted in the true sense of its word: preparing one for life. Those days were fun filled, but gave him a platform to perform- a lot of confidence to face an audience. He restarted the Sangeet Mandal and played in the Indian Music Group’s Young Artistes Festival and also participated in and won prizes at inter collegiate events like Malhar, Mood Indigo, Mardi Grass, etc. As a student in St Xavier’s, he also started his Fusion band SURYA. (1985-85). All this exposed him to a variety of music and to people who would on one hand listen to Rock music and would show the same zest and enjoyment for an Indian Classical concert. This was also the time when he started playing orchestra and dandiya shows. This exposure brought him in touch with various percussions like Conga, Bongo, Duff, Timbalae, shakers, etc. He also started doing small recording sessions, and what started out as a pleasure, later became a full time profession.
Set on a difficult journey
The years after his college: went into trying to find his own little niche. He was ticking like a pendulum, not sure whether he should stick to Tabla and classical music or widen his horizons to encompass world rhythm and world music. It was Zakir Bhai and his wife Geetika Varde [who was then his very close friend] who encouraged him to take the plunge, and he took it. He gave the ‘Cine Musicians’ Association’s’ audition, and got his card. But he didn't get work immediately, as he was not known. His name being Taufiq Qureshi, nobody connected him to his father Ustad Allarakha and brother, Zakir Hussain, and for a new guy to get a foothold into the industry was very difficult. But with his parents’ blessings and Gods grace he went on trying and finally succeeded.
On the Personal Front
Taufiq and his wife, Geetika Varde are blessed with a talented son, Shikhar Naad. He is a school going young boy, with a keen interest in music and rhythm in particular. He is learning tabla from his father and shows lot of dedication towards his riyaz. He has performed at certain public concerts with Taufiq.
Geetika Varde, although a trained professional classical singer of the Jaipur Gharana, is very inclined towards light-classical forms and composing. Having performed at classical and fusion concerts, she has conducted lecture-demonstrations and workshops at prestigious venues in India and abroad. For the release of her well appreciated solo album ‘ROOH’, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma referred to the couple as “Taufiq and Geetika are a perfect blend of rhythm and melody.”
The search is endless
After a long and arduous journey of over twenty years, Taufiq continues to evolve as a percussionist in the ever- inspiring world of live-audience performances. He wants to attempt to capture this live energy that is emitted on stage and translate it onto the tangible medium. Taufiq loves to conceive musically possible themes and put them too, on the tangible medium for posterity, in the form of an album. And so on……
Dates close to his heart
Release of 'Rhydhun' on 5th September 2000
Ustad Alla Rakha recorded for Rhydhun on 27th January, 2000
First concert with Ustad Alla Rakha and Ustad Zakir Hussain in Germany in 1988
First concert with Indus Creed- Independence Rock on 27th January 1995
The day he got married to Ms Geetika Varde on 28th December 1993
Birth of his son on 9th October, 1996
Personal Trivia
Lot of creative thinking done in the loo.
Finds lot of comfort in Chinese neck Kurtas and Churidar Pyjamas.
Loves playing with his only son.
Relishes all good food.
Is of fond of visiting mountainous areas.
Is thrilled to watch one day international cricket matches.
Enjoys watching action and horror movies, especially with music blasting loudly.
Adores watching cartoons with his kid.
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