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Anoushka Shankar

Anoushka Shankar

GRAMMY-nominated genre-defying artist Anoushka Shankar, daughter of great Indian Sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar, continues to create and collaborate to push the definitions of what traditional music can achieve across realms – classical and contemporary, acoustic and electronic. Apart from the overwhelming legacy of her father that she carries, Anoushka’s life in itself is a tapestry woven with myriad achievements a virtuoso sitarist, acclaimed film composer, activist, and trailblazer in various domains. Earlier this year at Lollapalooza India, a music fest attended by over 60,000 music lovers, she mesmerised the audience with music from her new album Chapter I: Forever, for Now. Released in October 2023, the mini album features four instrumental tracks, including collaborations with artists like Nils Frahm. It is the first of a planned trilogy of mini albums and she is already in the process of mixing the next one.

Her earlier work Crossing The Rubicon from her album Land of Gold, where the songs re volved around the refugee crisis, was also received well. Her groundbreaking presence extends to the global stage, where she holds the honour of being the first Indian musician to grace the Grammy Awards as both a performer and presenter, boasting nine nominations and marking a significant milestone for Indian women in music. She is also the youngest and first female recipient of a British House of Commons Shield. Additionally, she stands as one of the initial five female composers integrated into the UK A-level music syllabus. Being the daughter of one of the most iconic Indian artists of the last century and early 21st, she grew up in a vibrant environment.


Needless to say, music was omnipresent, with musicians frequently gathering for rehearsals, improvisations, and jovial musical exchanges. Her own journey with the sitar and Indian classical music commenced at the tender age of nine under the expert guidance of her father, a luminary whose influence shaped the course of 20th-century music. Making her professional debut at 13, she embarked on a prolific touring career at 18, captivating audiences with her virtuosity, emotive playing style, and innovative blend of traditional and contemporary elements. She went on to explore diverse genres, including electronic music and the Goan psychedelic trance scene. Her profound understanding of classical depths coupled with her virtuosic technique elevates her music to unparalleled heights, captivating listeners with its emotive depth and spiritual resonance. Apart from music, Anoushka is equally a relentless and fearless activist.

She has courageously shared her experience as a survivor of child abuse, lending her voice to campaigns like One Billion Rising, some years ago now. Collaborating closely with organisations such as the UNHCR and Help Refugees, she tirelessly advocates for refugees, both raising funds and amplifying awareness about their plight. Notably, in 2020, she assumed the role of the in augural President of the F List, a UK initiative aimed at narrowing the gender gap in the music industry.

Additionally, she serves as an Ambassador for The Walk, a global artistic endeavour championing the cause of refugees. Anoushka’s music, marked by transcendent sitar performances and compositions, defies boundaries of nationality – much like herself. With a childhood spent traversing the globe, her identity resonates as that of a true global citizen, reflecting the universality of her artistry and experiences.

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