Whether she wins her first Grammy or not, Wednesday will be a memorable day for Anoushka Shankar and Indian music. The talented daughter of legendary sitarist Pandit Ravi Shankar is all set to perform at the pre-telecast ceremony of the 48th Grammy Awards.
Incidentally, she will be the first Indian to perform at the prestigious ceremony at Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California. The pre-telecast ceremony will be hosted by revered rock guitarist Steve Vai and TV personality Giselle Fernandez. Pop vocalist Michael Bublé will also feature in a performance during the pre-telecast, according to grammy.com.
Despite winning a Grammy nomination this year, Anoushka’s first reaction to the news that she was to perform at the show was that of disbelief. “I wasn’t even planning to attend the function! So when I was asked to perform, I just could not believe it. I changed all my plans to be there. I’m honoured and touched to be the first Indian to perform at the Grammys. However, I’ll be back in time for my father’s concert in Mumbai with Ustad Zakir Hussain on February 11,” Shankar told HT in an exclusive interview.
And, like most proud fathers, Pandit Ravi Shankar is ecstatic at this rare honour bestowed on his daughter. “It’s a proud moment for Indian music. Being the guru and father of Anoushka I can only say that I’m so proud of her,” said the maestro.
{{/usCountry}}And, like most proud fathers, Pandit Ravi Shankar is ecstatic at this rare honour bestowed on his daughter. “It’s a proud moment for Indian music. Being the guru and father of Anoushka I can only say that I’m so proud of her,” said the maestro.
{{/usCountry}}Anoushka won her first Grammy nomination — in the world music category — this year for her critically-acclaimed compilation ‘Rise’ (EMI). The album, her fourth, saw the talented youngster essaying the role of a composer and taking a break of sorts from her previous recordings, where she strictly following the classical tradition of her father.