Ravi Shankar, the legendary sitar player, was born on April 7, 1920 in Varanasi, India. He was a gifted musician who significantly contributed to popularizing the sitar and Indian classical music on a global scale. Shankar's innovative use of Carnatic music and mastery of the sitar earned him the title of Pandit.
Shankar's musical journey began when he joined his brother Uday Shankar's renowned dance group, traveling and performing in India and Europe. However, it was his encounter with the legendary sitar maestro Allauddin Khan that truly shaped his destiny. Under Khan's tutelage, Shankar honed his skills on the sitar and embarked on a path that would lead to worldwide acclaim.
Shankar's friendship with George Harrison of The Beatles was instrumental in introducing Indian classical music to Western audiences. Their close bond resulted in a collaboration that influenced The Beatles' iconic album, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." The track "Within You Without You" showcased Shankar's distinctive sitar playing and further solidified his reputation as a musical pioneer.
In 1941, Shankar married Roshanara Annapurna Khan, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1961. He later found love again with Sukanya Ranjan, whom he married in 1988. The couple had two daughters, Norah and Anoushka, and a son, Shubhendra, who all inherited their father's musical talent.
Shankar's collaboration with violinist Yehudi Menuhin on the album "West Meets East" earned them a Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance in 1967. His influence on the fusion of Eastern and Western musical traditions continues to resonate in the world of music, inspiring generations of musicians to explore new horizons.
Ravi Shankar's impact on the global music scene cannot be overstated. His pioneering spirit, virtuosity on the sitar, and commitment to preserving Indian classical music have left an indelible mark on the world of music. His legacy lives on through his timeless recordings, unforgettable performances, and the countless artists he has inspired.