About

He was widely known for his contributions to popularize Indian classical music in the Western world. Shankar's career spanned over six decades and he collaborated with many Western musicians, including George Harrison of the Beatles, creating a unique fusion of Eastern and Western music. Born into a musical family in Varanasi, India, Shankar spent his early years training with his older brother Uday Shankar, a renowned dancer and choreographer. He began performing as a young adult, touring extensively in India and later across Europe and the United States. Shankar explored various musical genres, including classical Indian music, folk, jazz, and even experimenting with electronic sounds. During the 1960s, Shankar became a mentor and teacher to many Western musicians seeking to incorporate elements of Indian music into their work. His collaboration with George Harrison and subsequent involvement with the Beatles brought considerable attention to Indian music and culture. Shankar's influence extended beyond his collaborations, as many other Western musicians adopted the sitar or incorporated Indian musical elements into their compositions. Apart from his collaborations, Shankar composed numerous traditional and contemporary classical Indian music pieces. He was also an advocate for peace and social causes, giving benefit concerts and supporting various humanitarian initiatives. Shankar received several prestigious awards throughout his career, including three Grammy Awards and India's highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna. Ravi Shankar's legacy continues to inspire musicians and fans worldwide. His innovative approach to blending Indian and Western musical traditions has had a lasting impact on the global music scene, paving the way for future cross-cultural collaborations.