Living in Shahi Muhalla (Heera Mandi) within the walled city of Lahore, Zohaib Hassan, a gifted descendant of the renowned Amratsari Gharana and grandson of Ustad Hussain Baksh Khan, upholds a six-generation musical heritage. Zohaib dedicated 9 to 12 years to mastering the Sarangi under the guidance of Ustad Khawar Hussain. Reflecting on his rigorous training, he often remarks that he wishes he had a student like himself, just as his teacher Khawar Hussain had him. Nowadays, teaching Sarangi at the Alhamra Arts Council, Zohaib notes a decreasing interest in the instrument, with only 3-4 students learning from him.
Sarangi is an instrument from the 14th century integral to South Asian culture, and stands as a testament to the rich musical legacy of the region. Distinguished by its unique shape, the Sarangi holds symbolic significance within the cultural heritage of the subcontinent. One of the past great Sarangi masters, Maseeti Khan, whose name means 'mosque,' connects the instrument's design to its nomenclature. The Sarangi's creation is a meticulous process involving a single carved block of Tun wood, perfected by Ustad Zia Uddin, the sole craftsman in Pakistan skilled in making this instrument. Revered for its resonant sound, the Sarangi is unique in its closeness to the human voice, historically leading the world's greatest vocalists to learn it to harmonize their voices with its tones.
Excelling academically, Zohaib was a top student, deeply committed to his studies. Like many mothers, his mother wanted him to become a doctor. However, his father's dream was for him to play the Sarangi. Zohaib's journey was not without its challenges. Five years into learning the Sarangi, he considered switching to the drums, which led to a temporary rift with his father. His father's poignant words, "You broke my dream. I thought you are going to carry on our ancestors' legacy," deeply moved Zohaib.
Zohaib Hassan's career began at Radio Pakistan in 2005, where he was categorized in the AA division. His talent and dedication have been recognized with several awards, including the Governor Award from Chaudhary Muhammad Sarwar, the Caravan Music Society Award, and the TeenTaal Studio Best Recording Session Player Award. In 2018, he received the Young Soloist Professional Musician Award from the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., and in 2022, he was honored with the Extraordinary Excellence Award.
Zohaib is a member of 'The Sachal Jazz Ensemble,' performing globally, notably at the United Nations headquarters and The New Shape. He is also involved with JAUBI and EABS and has collaborated with the Mekaal Hassan Band. He has recorded and released numerous albums, with 'JAUBI meets EABS' and 'Search of a Better Tomorrow' being particularly noteworthy. Recently, he joined the band 'Sirat.' His collaborations extend to working with renowned vocalists such as Atif Aslam, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Ali Zafar, Abrar ul Haq, and many others.
Zohaib Hassan, a father of two daughters, shares that they express interest in learning the Sarangi as they grow older. Reflecting on his deep commitment, he often reveals that his first marriage was to the Sarangi. When he is working, he receives calls from home but often does not answer them. During a challenging time when an accident impaired his hand, he told his mother that without the Sarangi, his life wasn’t important.
He also shared his frustrations about the lack of appreciation for art in Pakistan, where artists are often manipulated and not compensated fairly for their hard work. He lamented that many Pakistanis consider music Haram and do not accept their art history with such instruments, disregarding the artists. Zohaib expressed his fear that the Sarangi would be forgotten, noting that many people nowadays don’t even know if such an instrument exists.
Highlighting the urgency of safeguarding cultural treasures like the Sarangi from fading into obscurity in his country, Zohaib Hassan advocates for measures to preserve this art form. He believes that raising awareness among the youth is crucial. He suggests that universities could play a significant role in this by displaying the Sarangi or its images, thereby introducing the younger generation to this rich tradition. Zohaib emphasizes that recognizing and valuing this art will inspire more people to learn it. He distinguishes the Sarangi from other instruments, stating, “You can play guitar but if you will play Sarangi you will be unique,” underscoring the uniqueness and cultural significance of mastering the Sarangi. Amidst a fading tradition, Zohaib Hassan stands as the last remaining Sarangi performer in the country, carrying forward not just a family legacy, but also a cultural treasure. His dedication to the Sarangi ensures the survival and appreciation of this unique instrument in the modern world.
All information in the blog is from an interview meeting with Zohaib Hassan at his Home (2023).