Anoushka Shankar's Milestone Kolkata Concert Marks Three-Decade Return to Iconic Venue
Renowned musician-composer and sitar exponent Anoushka Shankar is set to grace Kolkata with a live performance this Sunday, marking a significant homecoming to the city's legendary Netaji Indoor Stadium. This concert represents a particularly poignant moment in her illustrious career, as it will be her first appearance at this iconic venue in nearly three decades. Her last performance at this stadium dates back to 1996, when she made her debut there alongside her legendary father, Pandit Ravi Shankar, and the maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain.
The Chapters Tour 2026 Finale in Kolkata
The upcoming event serves as the concluding segment of The Chapters Tour 2026, which has been captivating audiences worldwide. According to sources close to the event organizers, the performance will feature a talented quartet that will present music from Anoushka's critically acclaimed trilogy. This musical journey beautifully merges traditional Indian classical elements with contemporary global soundscapes, creating a unique auditory experience for attendees.
The source elaborated on the concert details, stating: "The show will run for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Anoushka will perform with four to five musicians and her band." Extensive preparations are underway, with a detailed rehearsal scheduled for Sunday morning following Anoushka's arrival in Kolkata. She will be accompanied by her mother, Sukanya Shankar, adding a personal dimension to this professional engagement.
Special Arrangements and Personal Touches
In a heartwarming gesture, Anoushka and her mother have personally extended invitations to a select group of guests for the performance. This exclusive list includes several family members and fellow musicians from Kolkata's vibrant artistic community. Notably, Mamata Shankar has received an invitation from Sukanya Shankar and is expected to attend the concert with her husband, further strengthening the familial connections surrounding this event.
Beyond the musical preparations, Anoushka has expressed keen interest in experiencing Kolkata's renowned culinary offerings. The source revealed: "The city's winter delicacies like notun gurer mishti – rosogolla, makha sandesh and patishapta – will be gifted to her from a heritage sweet shop in the city." This thoughtful gesture highlights the deep cultural exchange occurring alongside the musical performance.
Ensuring Instrument Safety After Previous Incident
The concert preparations include extraordinary measures to protect Anoushka's precious sitar, following a distressing incident in December 2025. During that time, the Grammy-nominated sitarist publicly shared that her instrument had suffered severe damage during air travel, an experience she described as devastating. Learning from that unfortunate episode, special arrangements have been implemented for this journey.
The source confirmed these precautionary measures: "To avoid any repeats of the earlier travel fiasco, Anoushka will be travelling in-flight with her sitar. A separate flight ticket has been booked exclusively for the instrument." Meanwhile, the other musical equipment will travel as check-in luggage, ensuring maximum security for the primary instrument.
Musical Tributes and Collaborative Performances
Audiences can anticipate several special moments during the concert. Sources suggest that Anoushka might perform a dedicated piece for her mother, Sukanya, adding emotional depth to the musical presentation. Furthermore, prominent Kolkata artists are expected to join her on stage as a tribute to her late father, Pandit Ravi Shankar, creating a powerful intergenerational musical dialogue.
This concert not only marks Anoushka Shankar's return to Kolkata after her last performance in the city in 2014 but also represents a full-circle moment in her artistic journey. The combination of musical excellence, personal connections, and cultural exchanges promises to make this event a memorable chapter in Kolkata's rich cultural calendar.
