Pt Ravi Shankar’s birth centenary plans postponed amid Covid-19 pandemic
Sitarist Anoushka Shankar along with her mother, Sukanya Shankar, had a string of events lined up this year for her father, late Pt Ravi Shankar’s birth centenary celebrations all around the world. But the Covid-19 pandemic has thrown all plans into a tizzy, leading to cancellation/postponement of these events. However, while sharing how they will celebrate the sitar legend’s birthday on April 7 at their London home, the motherdaughter duo hints at plans to do something special online for his fans.
“I feel something good comes of whatever happens in life,” says Sukanya, adding, “We’re going to have a small puja at home, play his music... Anoushka might play his favourite sitar that Kanhailal (a famous instrument maker) from Kolkata made for him. I got it here when I came to London this time for an exhibition.”
So, will this music session by Anoushka be live or shared as a recorded video on social media for fans? “We might do either, as I know there are so many people around the world who would love to listen to her playing her father’s favourite instrument. But I’m not tech savvy, so she’ll have to do it,” adds Sukanya, before she goes on to share interesting anecdotes about the maestro. How about sharing some of these fascinating stories online that day? She sounds excited, saying they might do that as well. “There are so many things, I can go on and on,” she shares.
Anoushka also has a few things in mind, but is yet to chalk out the final plan. “Given the time right now, nothing is certain. Closer to the date I’ll have a better understanding,” she says, adding she is busy with work in the house, especially with her kids, Zubin and Mohan, whom she is home-schooling.
Talking about how she’s explaining the current situation to her boys, she says, “Telling them the truth, keeping it simple, at the same time trying not to scare them much. Giving them lessons on safety, hygiene, how to maintain distance etc.”
On a positive note, the 38year-old adds, “With every crisis there is an opportunity. I think now, there’s more communication, everyone is helping one another. I’m trying to focus on that.”
And how would the legend himself look at dark phases in life? “They don’t make people like him anymore,” an emotional Sukanya shares, adding, “He was a philosopher who’d always find the good in everything. And I’m sure like most times, he would’ve simply smiled and said, ‘This too shall pass’.”