ANOUSHKA SHANKAR: LOOKING FORWARD TO RECONNECT WITH INDIA

The Grammy-nominated sitarist is eager to kick-start her multi-city tour in the country, says there’s a lot she wants to show her sons

Anoushka Shankar is coming home. The sitarist, who recently received two Grammy 2023 nominations, is gearing up for her multi-city tour in India, in December. During her time here, the artiste says she wants to introduce her children — sons Zubin and Mohan — to Indian culture.

“I’m really looking forward to coming back to India with a concert,” she tells us, adding, “It has been so long. Now, I’m looking forward to reconnecting, not just with audiences, but also with friends and family.”

The London-based artiste has earned Grammy nods for Udhero Na in the Best Global Music Performance category and for Between Us… (Live) in the Best Global Music Album category. Her upcoming tour will kick start in Bengaluru on December 11, followed by a concert in Mumbai on December 16 and in Delhi on December 18.

Performances aside, Anoushka has a lot more on her mind. “I have so many things added to my itinerary this time. It’s mainly about food, showing lots of things to my kids... Just to explore it and reconnect with the country as much as we can,” says the Grammy winner. “There is something unique about performing in India. There is a particular nuance to the connection with the audience, and a feeling that the audience is also welcoming me home. When I play music in the country, it comes from a source connection, which is beautiful,” adds Anoushka, daughter of the late sitar virtuoso Pandit Ravi Shankar.

In fact, she ensures she carries a bit of India with her wherever she goes. “Two decades ago, there wasn’t as much coming out of India. I felt that responsibility to represent India, our music and roots a bit more. To some extent, I had to learn how to make a subtle process for myself, just try and make music, without attaching too much weight to it,” she says.

I have so many things added to my itinerary this time. It is mainly about food and showing lots of things in India to my kids. ANOUSHKA SHANKAR, Sitarist