The Ustaads

Shehroze Hussain 

Sitar Instructor

A student of his father, the late sitar maestro Ustad Sajid Hussain, Shehroze has received a musical education steeped in the South Asian classical tradition. With unmatched musical mastery on the sitar and similar agility with his vocals, Shehroze has made a name for himself in the musical landscape of Karachi and Lahore in his teenage years. He has performed in every prestigious music conference and festival, namely All Pakistan Music Conference, Lahore Music Forum and  Tehzeeb Foundation and he has been a vital performer since the inception of Tarz Group, an ensemble of classically trained musicians that are trying to rethink and reshape the way South Asian music is performed. With the ensemble, Shehroze has experimented with fusion music, juxtaposing genres with that of the South Asian aesthetic, and has also composed music to suit the new performance style. Alongside, he has also accompanied in lecture demos and courses on the music of South Asia at the Aga Khan University FAS/HASS first-year program for medical students, at T2F and at the Faiz International Festivals. Habib University is fortunate to have Shehroze continue his father’s legacy as a great teacher and musician.

Islam Uddin Mir

Acquainted with music by his brother-in-law, Ustad Nathu Khan, who taught him the harmonium, Islamuddin Meer’s knowledge of classical music was broadened by his father, Ustad Noor Khan, an established sarangi player for Radio Pakistan Karachi. With his career spanning over 50 years, Islamuddin Meer has served as a violinist for Radio Pakistan Karachi, the Pakistani film industry, and has performed abroad as a violinist and ghazal singer. Meer also held the position of a composer for the audio company, Sonic. In his extensive musical career, he has worked with prestigious musicians such as Nazar Hussain, Ustad Umrao Bundo Khan, Ustad Hamid Hussain, Ustad Kabir Khan, and Ustad Ghulam Mohiuddin Khan.

Presently he is teaching the Violin at Habib University and Zaib Academy, in Karachi.

Ustad Sajid Hussain

Hailing from the Senia Gharana that traced its roots to Mian Tansen, the late Ustad Sajid Hussain was the esteemed disciple of his father, Ustad Fida Hussain, and his uncle, Ustad Kabir Khan. He began playing the sitar at the age of 16 and performed extensively for radio, television, and music festivals, such as the All Pakistan Music Conference. In addition to his performances, Ustad Sajid Hussain also focused on extending his ancestral inheritance to his children. He was one of the few remaining sitar maestros of Pakistan, whose artistry and genius were adequately manifested in his magnificent compositions and playing.

Ustad Sajid Hussain, who conducted Sitar classes at Habib University, leaves behind a profound legacy in the world of music. His dedication, expertise, and contribution to the preservation of the sitar tradition will continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians. In his memory, we celebrate a life dedicated to the beautiful art of sitar and offer our heartfelt gratitude for his invaluable contributions to the world of music.

Ustad Khurshid Hussain

One of the few doyens of tabla that remained in Pakistan until recently, Ustad Khurshid Hussain hailed from a family of musicians. His father, Mehboob Hussain, was a sarangi player and entrusted his friend, the great Ustad Habib Khan (also known as Baba Bibia Khan) to teach his son the art of playing tabla. Although Ustad Khurshid Hussain’s bloodline is from the Ajrada Gharana, he learned tabla primarily from Ustad Habib Khan; a repository of all gharanas’ styles and compositions. Ustad Khurshid Hussain worked with Radio Pakistan and performed live with some of the greatest musicians that Pakistan has witnessed, including Ustad Kabir Khan, Ustad Sharif Khan Poonchwaley, Ustad Gulab Khan, Ustad Salamat Ali Khan, Ustad Fateh Ali Khan, Ustad Rais Khan, Mehdi Hassan, Iqbal Bano, Farida Khanum, and Ustad Sajid Hussain, alongside being the accompanist of choice for visiting artists from India.

Ustad Khurshid Hussain, a recipient of the Pride of Performance Award in 2019 by the Government of Pakistan, left an indelible mark on the world of music. He also played a crucial role in training the first cohort of tabla players at Habib University, furthering the aim of the Center for South Asian Music.

In loving remembrance of Ustad Khurshid Hussain, his legacy continues to resonate through the students he mentored and the rich musical tapestry he wove during his illustrious career. May his soul rest in peace.