Stand-up comedian Zakir Khan shared an unexpected story from his early life during a conversation on actor Gopal Dutt's podcast Pehla Pehla. Known for openly discussing his struggles and family background, Zakir has built a strong connect with fans through such candid anecdotes, and this time he spoke about an episode tied to the construction of his own house.
When Zakir Khan Turned Into a Construction Worker
Zakir Khan revealed that while his house was being built, he was living on the very same site and pitched in with the construction work himself. He said he even knows how to mix cement, sand and mud to prepare the material used in building a house. According to him, the construction required four labourers, but only three were hired. Zakir said, 'I was the fourth person myself.' He added that he had prepared the construction material on his own. The anecdote makes it clear that even after rising to the top of the comedy world, Zakir has stayed grounded and never hesitated to get his hands dirty.
Grandson of a Celebrated Sarangi Player
Zakir Khan is the grandson of the well-known sarangi artist Ustad Moinuddin Khan, and he grew up in a household filled with music. He said riyaz, or musical practice, went on continuously at home, and well-known artists were regular visitors. According to Zakir, their home in Mumbai Bazar was always filled with music, and his grandfather would practise every morning around five or six o'clock. His grandfather was in the final stretch of his life at the time, but his devotion to music remained just as deep.
A Home That Doubled as a Music School
According to Zakir Khan, five young boys were formally taught music inside the house, and several other students would also come to learn, with everyone waiting their turn. At times, hours would be spent on tabla practice, while on other occasions the sounds of the sitar and sarangi would echo through the home. The atmosphere, as he described it, resembled a full-fledged music school where some form of artistic practice was always underway.
Trips to Akashvani and Visits from Big Names
Zakir Khan also revealed that he used to visit Akashvani once or twice a week, where senior artists and ghazal singers would perform. Beyond that, several celebrated musicians would visit his own home as well. The full account offers a glimpse into how Zakir Khan's early exposure to both hard physical work and a rich musical upbringing may have shaped the grounded, relatable persona he brings to his comedy today.
