Grammy-Nominated Sitarist Anoushka Shankar Launches India Tour in Hyderabad with Personal Reflections
Grammy-nominated sitarist and composer Anoushka Shankar commenced her much-anticipated India tour with a poignant performance in Hyderabad on Friday. For the acclaimed musician, the city holds a unique blend of fleeting familiarity and profound personal significance, rooted in cherished family memories.
Hyderabad: A City of Personal Resonance and Family History
"Hyderabad is where my parents got married, at the Chilkur Balaji temple, when I was seven years old. That memory resurfaces every time I return, even though most visits of mine here have been usually brief," Anoushka revealed. She elaborated that this enduring connection gives the city a deeply personal resonance, despite her relationship with it still unfolding over time. Her parents, the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar and Sukanya Rajan, tied the knot at this sacred venue, embedding Hyderabad permanently in her family narrative.
Grammy Recognition: Professional Affirmation with Artistic Priorities
Ahead of her performance, Anoushka reflected on her recent career milestones, including earning her thirteenth and fourteenth Grammy nominations this year. She is nominated for the track Daybreak and the album Chapter III: We Return to Light.
"Grammy nominations still bring a sense of professional affirmation, and I'm grateful for that. Receiving recognition is particularly meaningful because of how personal those works are. At the same time, my sense of being where I'm meant to be doesn't come from awards. That comes from the work itself and from audience connection," she stated. Anoushka noted that while the initial nominations felt monumental, the experience has evolved into a quieter, calmer appreciation over time, though never diminished in value.
The Chapters Trilogy: An Emotional Journey Culminating in India
The past year has been intensely fulfilling for Anoushka, marked by the completion of her ambitious Chapters project. This trilogy, released over several years, includes:
- Chapter I: Forever, For Now (2023)
- Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn (2024)
- Chapter III: We Return to Light (2025)
"Looking back, the last year felt like a return to light. The Chapters project was always conceived as a long emotional journey rather than a single album," she explained. Releasing the music gradually allowed her to live with each phase, unfolding slowly and honestly. This India tour represents a significant milestone as it marks the first live presentation of the entire trilogy in the country. The music traces a wide emotional arc from pain and rupture to healing, strength, and joy, making this performance a natural culmination of years of dedicated work.
Evolving Global Reception of Indian Classical Music
Anoushka also shared insights into how global audiences engage with Indian classical music today. "The idea of 'translating' Indian classical music for global audiences has changed significantly. Most of the time now, I'm performing in cities where listeners have a broad, global musical vocabulary," she observed. Audiences are more open, curious, and willing to engage deeply, regardless of location. She values moments when introducing the sitar to entirely new audiences on mainstream platforms, noting that there is now less pressure to adapt or dilute the music. "Audiences meet it on its own terms, and that shift allows for a more honest exchange," she emphasized.
Authenticity and Individuality in Artistic Expression
Reflecting on creative integrity, Anoushka highlighted the importance of unmistakably individual work. "I believe that each person has something unique to offer, shaped by their experiences, perspective and moment in time," she said. While external pressures around conformity and visibility exist in the business of art, staying connected to authenticity is crucial. "The value of your work isn't about comparison. It's about the fact that what you make could not exist without you, and someone out there needs exactly that," she affirmed, particularly emphasizing this for women navigating creative spaces.
Personal Grounding and Future Curiosity
On a personal note, Anoushka expressed feeling more grounded and intentional in this phase of her life. "I feel more grounded now, standing firmly on my own two feet as a woman and as a person. I'm enjoying this phase deeply: the relationship I have with my children, the freedom to shape how I work, and the space to live on my own terms," she shared. Musically and personally, she remains curious about where this sense of agency will lead next, embracing the unfolding journey with open anticipation.
