Zakir Hussain, a well known research scholar and dancer hails from a traditional Muslim family in South India. After graduating in fibre technology Thyagaraja campus in his home town of Salem, he chose to persue his passion for Bharatha Natyam and left his family behind to move to Chennai. In Chennai, He fulfilled his life long dream of learning Bharthanatyam under Smt. Chitra Visweswaran, the world renowned dancer and choreographer. He also learned dance theory under Smt. Krishnaveni Lakshmanan of Kalakshetra.
Zakir was able to embark on his dream journey as a professional dancer thanks to the support of many such as actors Rajnikanth, Sathyaraj and entrepreneur Nalli Kuppusamy Chetti. He has also received scholarship from Kala Mandir Trust. The President of India recognized his talent as a dancer and awarded him a senior scholarship in 1992 for 3 years.
Though a Muslim by birth, he posseses a deep understanding and knowledge of the Vedas, Agamas, and Indian scriptures, especially of the Vaishnavite tradition. He has done research on Paancharaatra Agama, Vaikaanasam and interpreted the ritualistic mudras into Bharatha Natyam. The "Government of India" awarded Zakir Hussain "Senior Fellowship" to do research on "Vaishnava Agamas".