The Last Sarangi Master
The Last Sarangi Master
Zohaib Hassan, one of the world’s most skilled Sarangi masters, carries the rich legacy of this ancient instrument from the heart of Lahore, Pakistan. This documentary, directed by Tuaseen Zahid, explores his life, journey, and unparalleled mastery oe Sarangi—an instrument known for its deeply expressive sound. Through his dedication, Zohaib is not only preserving a centuries-old tradition but also redefining its place in the modern world. Witness his passion, struggles, and artistry in this intimate cinematic portrait.
Film Maker
Muhammad Tauseen Zahid
Pakistan
Muhammad Tuaseen Zahid is a filmmaker and theater coach from Pakistan with a degree in Theatre, Film, and TV from Beaconhouse National University. He has worked as an Assistant Director on prominent TV dramas for channels like GEO TV and HUM TV. An award-winning theater artist, Tuaseen has directed short films and documentaries, including one on Lahore’s forgotten history, showcasing his commitment to cultural storytelling.
Film Master
Zohaib Hassan
- Craft
- Sarangi Master
- Country
- Pakistan
Zohaib Hassan is the last renowned Ustaad of the sarangi in Pakistan, a scion of the prestigious Amritsar gharana of sarangi players. Born into a lineage of legendary musicians, including Ustad Hussain Bukhsh Amritsari, Ustad Nathu Khan, Ustad Peeru Khan, and Ustad Abdul Hameed Khan, Zohaib has firmly established himself as the leading sarangi maestro of his generation in Pakistan. He lives in a modest two-bedroom house nestled in the narrow streets of old Lahore, where this dying instrument may not bring him wealth, but his unwavering passion for preserving its legacy keeps him deeply rooted in his art.
Trained initially by family elders, Zohaib further honed his craft under the guidance of Ustad Ghulam Haider Khan of the Qasur gharana. His dedication to rigorous riyaaz and musical perfection has earned him opportunities to perform at all major musical conferences in Pakistan. He has accompanied some of the greatest classical vocalists, including Ustad Raza Ali Khan, Ustad Fateh Ali Khan Hyderabadwale, the late Ustad Sharafat Ali Khan, Ustad Shafqat Salamat Ali Khan, Ustad Mubarak Ali Khan, and tabla maestro Ustad Bashir Khan.
Zohaib has also gained international acclaim. He performed at the Kennedy Center in 2013 and represented Pakistan in the United States in 2015 as part of the Dost Music Project, an initiative aimed at bridging the gap between Western and Eastern music. As both an accomplished accompanist and soloist, Zohaib has solidified his reputation as one of the top 10 sarangi players in the world.
In addition to his classical performances, Zohaib has contributed to Melodic Intersect, a world fusion group, featuring in several of their albums. Despite the sarangi being an ancient and endangered instrument, Zohaib is working tirelessly to keep its legacy alive and to establish a presence on the international stage.