Pandit Ravi Shankar (1920–2012) was one of the most celebrated figures in Indian classical music, known worldwide for bringing the sitar to global prominence. Born on April 7, 1920 in Varanasi, he initially trained in dance with his elder brother, Uday Shankar, who was a renowned choreographer. However, at the age of 18, Ravi Shankar turned towards music, becoming a disciple of the legendary sarod maestro Alauddin Khan.
His mastery over the sitar and deep understanding of ragas allowed him to blend traditional Indian classical music with innovative elements, appealing to audiences far beyond India. From the 1950s onward, Ravi Shankar performed across Europe and America, introducing global audiences to the intricate beauty of Hindustani music.
One of his most significant contributions was his collaboration with George Harrison of The Beatles, which sparked a wave of interest in Indian music and culture in the West. He also performed at iconic events like the Monterey Pop Festival (1967) and Woodstock (1969), bridging the gap between Eastern and Western musical traditions.
Ravi Shankar composed for films, including Satyajit Ray’s Apu Trilogy and Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi, earning him worldwide acclaim. He also experimented with orchestral compositions, bringing Indian ragas into symphonic formats.
Over his career, he received three Grammy Awards, the Bharat Ratna (India’s highest civilian honor), and numerous international accolades. Beyond performance, he dedicated himself to teaching, founding institutions like the Ravi Shankar Centre in New Delhi.
His influence extended to his family, with his daughters Anoushka Shankar and Norah Jones achieving global musical success. Ravi Shankar passed away on December 11, 2012, but his music continues to inspire generations, making him a timeless ambassador of Indian culture.
Trivia Points
- Full name: Ravi Shankar Chowdhury.
- Born April 7, 1920, in Varanasi, India.
- Initially trained in dance before music.
- Disciple of sarod legend Ustad Alauddin Khan.
- Popularized the sitar globally in the 1960s–70s.
- Collaborated with The Beatles’ George Harrison.
- Performed at Woodstock and Monterey Pop Festival.
- Composed for Satyajit Ray’s Apu Trilogy.
- Scored music for the Oscar-winning film Gandhi.
- Won three Grammy Awards during his lifetime.
- Honored with India’s Bharat Ratna in 1999.
- Founded the Ravi Shankar Centre in Delhi.
- Father of musicians Anoushka Shankar and Norah Jones.
- Known for fusing Indian ragas with Western classical music.
- Passed away in San Diego, USA, in 2012.