An elderly Indian classical musician wearing a light green kurta is playing the shehnai on stage, focused and seated, with a SPIC MACAY banner visible in the background.
Hindustani Classical Instrumental

Daya Shankar

About

Pandit Daya Shankar was a Banaras Gharana shehnai maestro, disciple of Pt. Ravi Shankar, known for expressive playing and international performances, including the Festival of India.

Daya Shankar Most Recent Releases

Shehnai by Daya Shankar - Album Cover Art
Daya Shankar

Biography

Pandit Daya Shankar (d. 2025) was an Indian classical shehnai artist of the Banaras Gharana, recognized for his command over tonal expression and structured improvisation. He was the son of the shehnai exponent Pt. Anant Lal and received training in both shehnai and vocal music.

He further trained under sitar maestro Pt. Ravi Shankar contributed to a performance approach that combined traditional techniques with detailed melodic development. His concerts were marked by the use of gamakas and taan patterns within a systematic framework.

Pandit Daya Shankar represented India at international platforms, including the Festival of India in the U.S.S.R., Germany, and Hungary. He was awarded by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Uttar Pradesh, in 1995.

He belonged to a musical lineage with his son, Pt. Sanjeev Shankar, also a shehnai artist.

Daya Shankar Discography

Shehnai by Daya Shankar - Album Cover Art
Daya Shankar
Daya Shankar