MUMBAI: There is a fine line that separates mediocrity from greatness. In a nutshell the entire population of the human species can pretty much fit these two categories on a Venn diagram with the mass spread over different areas within the two circles each of which represent mediocrity and greatness and of course, the area in which the circles overlap. But there is a certain dot way beyond the Venn diagram itself, and that is where Ustad Zakir Hussain stands if the world could hypothetically be divided into these categories.

A true gem, a gift from the heavenly abodes to the world, the maestro turns 66 today. In a time where people rely on software and computers to make ‘innovative’ music, this man can still make millions smile with his little tricks to make the tabla sound like a train and sometimes like a different instrument altogether. The genius of this man is unparalleled, words are not enough to describe it. His hands are enough for the matter!? (truly, no puns intended).

The best part about musicians of his calibre is the fact that it’s no fun to listen to them on an I-pod. His true raw brilliance is always best showcased in his live performances. Ustad Zakir Hussain, his tabla (Indian drums) and his charm: The ingredients to any celestial live performance.

So,?we at Radioandmusic have handpicked our list of ten favourite live performances by the maestro to celebrate the birthday boy’s incessant contribution of over forty years to the world and Indian music fraternity.

Here is the list. Our best pick is the last one (no 1) in this list

At number ten we have a little snippet of the maestro playing a rela (a ‘torrent’, ‘an attack’ or ‘a rush’). The maestro makes it look so easy - like he’s drinking a glass of water. P.S Now you’ll know what we mean when we say his hands are enough.

At number nine we have a performance of the maestro from IFFK where he makes the audience visualize a cannonade of taals (‘rhythm patterns’)

At number eight we have the young nervous maestro playing alongside his father. Har baap ka ek baap hota hain.

At number seven we have the maestro performing at Karkow EthnoFestival alongside the transcendental Rakesh Chaurasia on flute. Mesmerizing!

At number six we have arguably the best music director cum singer, Shankar Mahadevan on stage with the tabla god. Watch them pull off some unreal jugalbandi (a type of a duet).

Okay this may not be one of his best performances but in this video you can see Master Blaster Sachin trying his hand out at the shruti box alongside the maestro. Skip a minute or so if you want to avoid the preliminary talks at the start.

At number four Ustad Zakir Hussain jams to some nice mellow jazz tracks along with none other than John McLaughlin himself. This one is a must watch.

At number three drum god Sivamani teams up with Ustad ji to teach the kids of these days what ‘crazy beats’ actually sound like.

In this video the maestro literally makes the tabla sound like a hang (An instrument which is played like a drum but creates melody). Unreal is the only word to describe the performance!

It’s difficult to rate his performances per se but this is sheer brilliance. Happy birthday Ustad Ji.