Shankar: The Corrective Force Behind The Beatles

Ravi Shankar profoundly influenced The Beatles, extending beyond musical styles to instill discipline and seriousness. He viewed the sitar as a demanding classical instrument, not a mere prop for pop music, initially even disliking its early use in Beatles songs due to its perceived mishandling.

His relationship with George Harrison was pivotal, built on genuine apprenticeship rather than collaboration. Harrison's commitment to learning sitar demonstrated a willingness to embrace discipline, a stark contrast to the typical trajectory of fame.

Shankar's influence expanded Harrison's imagination, introducing concepts like drones and circular structures that subtly permeated Beatles music. This led Harrison to explore deeper themes of time and self, moving beyond superficial imitation.

Beyond music, Shankar exposed Harrison to a culture where spirituality was integral to daily life. This immersion sharpened Harrison's critique of fame's emptiness, emphasizing discipline and practice over fleeting sensations.

Shankar actively combatted the Western association of Indian culture with drugs, famously stating, 'Don't come high. I will make you high.' He recognized the potential for Indian ideas to reach wider audiences through The Beatles.

This lasting influence saw Harrison remaining involved in Shankar's devotional projects, cementing a familial bond. The naming of Harrison's son, Dhani, symbolized Shankar's enduring impact on his family and inheritance, transcending a mere 1960s phase.