Sitar Prodigy Anoushka Shankar Reflects on 30 Years of Music and the Grammys

Anoushka Shankar, the renowned sitar player, is celebrating 30 years of global touring since her debut at the age of 13. As of October 2025, she has received 11 Grammy nominations but is yet to win the prestigious award. Anoushka feels that she has become the "Grammy's eternal bridesmaid" and jokes that by the time she wins, if she ever does, she might not even care anymore.

Anoushka has had to navigate the challenges of being a woman in the classical music industry, including sexist comments and patriarchal expectations. She explains that there is an inherent belief that women somehow reflect the reputations of their male family members, rather than being seen as individuals. Anoushka has had to work hard to be comfortable with the fact that her music is not a reflection of her father's, the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar.

Despite her impressive career and numerous nominations, Anoushka does not see the Grammys as a true reflection of her worth as an artist. She believes the awards have become more about networking and lobbying than recognizing genuine artistic merit. Anoushka is focused on her passion for making music and connecting with her audience, rather than chasing awards.