It's surreal and overwhelming, says flautist Rakesh Chaurasia on his double Grammywin for "Pashto" and "As We Speak" with other musicians, including tabla maestro Zakir Hussain.
"As We Speak", also featuring Béla Fleck and Edgar Meyer, won in the best contemporary instrumental album category. The musicians also registered a win for "Pashto" in the best global music performance category.
"Happy and honoured to bring two Grammys home to India for 'As We Speak' with my inspiration, the maestros, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer. A surreal and overwhelming feeling. More than the joy I felt for myself, the pride of winning it as an Indian musician ranks higher," the flautist told PTI.
Chaurasia said Hussain has been an inspiration since he started playing the flute.
"I would often do the Sangat (accompaniment) with my uncle, the legendary flute maestro Padma Vibhushan Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia ji. Ustad ji (Hussain) would be on the tabla... Every concert with both the maestros would be a learning experience for me. To be able to share the stage with Ustad Ji is an honour and it was he who introduced me to maestros Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer," he said, adding that he was looking forward to more such collaborations in the future.
It was a big day for India at the Grammys. Hussain registered a third win for "This Moment" for Shakti in the best global music album category alongside Shankar Mahadevan, violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan and percussionist Selvaganesh Vinayakram as well as British guitarist John McLaughlin.
Chaurasia, Hussain, Meyer and Fleck were also nominated in the best instrumental composition category for "Motion" but lost out to "Helena's Theme".
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Big B defends his choice to praise Abhishek openly and others privately
Amitabh Bachchan reveals why he praises Abhishek publicly but not Jaya or Aishwarya
Quick highlights:
Amitabh Bachchan has responded to online comments asking why he often praises son Abhishek Bachchan on social media but not wife Jaya Bachchan, daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai, or daughter Shweta. The actor explained that while he chooses to support Abhishek publicly, he honours the women in his family privately, saying he prefers to respect them “in his heart.”
Bachchan defends Abhishek praise, addresses fan remarks online
The 81-year-old actor, who regularly shares photos and thoughts with fans, recently posted images of himself meeting admirers outside his Mumbai home, Jalsa. Captioned “Yes, I praise Abhishek. So?”, the post sparked comments from users questioning why he doesn’t do the same for Jaya, Aishwarya, or Shweta.
Responding directly, Bachchan wrote, “Yes, I shall praise them in my heart… not publicly… respect for the ladies.” His reply quickly circulated across platforms, with many praising his thoughtful answer. Others pointed to his tendency to engage more often when defending Abhishek, especially around film releases.
Bachchan also shut down a user accusing him of having “paid fans,” bluntly replying, “Prove it! You are small-minded… why don’t you pay and get fans too?” When another person mocked those waiting outside his home as “unemployed,” he replied with characteristic wit: “So give them a job? When they stand at the gate of Jalsa, they are EMPLOYED in love.”
Actor remains active on social media while juggling film projects
Bachchan has become increasingly interactive online in recent years, often directly responding to criticism and fan feedback. Meanwhile, Abhishek was last seen in Housefull 5, a multi-starrer comedy that released earlier this month. Jaya Bachchan appeared in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani in 2023, while Aishwarya Rai was part of Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan films. Despite the online chatter, Amitabh continues to walk his own path, on-screen and online.