Ravi Shankar

Pandit Ravi Shankar, born Robindro Shaunkor Chowdhury on 7 April 1920 in Banaras (Varanasi), was a towering figure in Indian classical music whose career spanned more than seven decades. He began his artistic life as a dancer, touring India and Europe with the dance troupe of his elder brother, Uday Shankar. This early exposure to global cultures later shaped his ability to communicate Indian music to international audiences.

At the age of eighteen, Ravi Shankar dedicated himself fully to music and underwent rigorous training under Ustad Allauddin Khan in the traditional gurukul system. His years of disciplined study at Maihar laid the foundation for his mastery of the sitar, surbahar, raga development, and rhythmic sophistication. After completing his training, he emerged as a leading sitar soloist and composer, quickly gaining recognition in India.

Ravi Shankar made significant contributions as a composer, notably scoring the music for Satyajit Ray’s Apu Trilogy, which brought Indian film music international acclaim. He also served as the music director of All India Radio, New Delhi, where he founded the Indian National Orchestra and experimented with blending Indian and Western instrumentation.

From the mid-1950s onwards, Ravi Shankar toured extensively across Europe, the United States, and other parts of the world, becoming the most recognized exponent of Indian classical music globally. His collaborations with Western musicians such as Yehudi Menuhin and his close association with George Harrison of The Beatles played a crucial role in introducing Indian instruments and raga-based music to Western popular culture. Landmark appearances at festivals such as Monterey Pop and Woodstock further cemented his international stature.

Beyond performance, Ravi Shankar composed orchestral works and concertos for sitar and orchestra and collaborated with contemporary composers, including Philip Glass. He was honored with numerous prestigious awards, including the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Polar Music Prize, and multiple Grammy Awards.

As a performer, composer, teacher, and cultural bridge between East and West, Ravi Shankar’s influence remains unparalleled. His legacy continues through his recordings, compositions, and the work of his children, including sitarist Anoushka Shankar and singer Norah Jones.