Renowned Musician's Prized Instrument Damaged During Air Travel
Celebrated sitarist and composer Anoushka Shankar has been left "devastated and deeply troubled" after her valuable sitar was found severely damaged following a flight with Air India. The incident, which came to light on Wednesday, December 4, 2025, has sparked widespread concern and prompted an immediate investigation by the national carrier.
Visual Evidence of the Damage Shared on Social Media
The high-profile musician took to Instagram to share the distressing news with her followers. In a video post, she revealed the extent of the damage to her stringed instrument. The footage clearly showed a deep and significant crack running through the lower rounded end (tumba) of the sitar, a critical part of its structure and resonance. This visual evidence highlighted what appears to be serious mishandling of the fragile cargo.
Anoushka Shankar, a globally recognised figure in Indian classical music and the daughter of the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar, expressed her profound disappointment over the incident. The sitar is not just an instrument for a musician of her calibre; it is a deeply personal and essential tool for artistic expression, often finely tuned and customised to the player.
Air India's Response and Ongoing Probe
In response to the public outcry and the musician's post, Air India has officially confirmed that it is investigating the matter. The airline acknowledged the incident involving the damage to Shankar's musical instrument during transit. Such investigations typically involve reviewing handling procedures, baggage loading processes, and any available CCTV footage to determine the cause and responsibility for the damage.
This is not the first time a musician has faced such a harrowing experience with airlines, but the high-profile nature of this case has brought renewed focus to the handling of special baggage, particularly delicate and invaluable items like musical instruments. The incident raises serious questions about the care protocols followed for fragile luggage.
Broader Implications for Travelling Artists
The damage to Anoushka Shankar's sitar underscores a persistent challenge faced by performing artists who travel frequently. Musical instruments are often irreplaceable due to their age, craftsmanship, or personal history. While airlines have policies for fragile items, the practical execution often falls short, leading to costly and emotionally taxing outcomes for the owners.
The outcome of Air India's investigation will be closely watched by the artistic community and the public alike. It is expected to address not only compensation for this specific incident but also potential improvements in handling procedures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. For now, the music world stands in solidarity with Anoushka Shankar, hoping for a swift resolution and the restoration of her instrument.
