MELODIC MUSINGS WITH ANOUSHKA SHANKAR

THE ACCLAIMED MUSICIAN, CURRENTLY IMMERSED IN THE CREATION OF A NEW ALBUM, DELVES INTO EXPRESSING EMOTIONS THROUGH HER MUSIC, NAVIGATING THE BLESSINGS AND PRESSURES OF HER LATE FATHER'S SHADOW, AND THE ENDURING APPEAL OF CLASSICAL MUSIC FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS IN A TÊTE-À-TÊTE WITH HELLO!

Anoushka Shankar, the daughter of sitar virtuoso and composer Pandit Ravi Shankar, is today a prodigy unlike any other. Her music, sitar performances and compositions transcend nationalities, something the 42-yearold seems to do herself. Having grown up all over the world, the renowned musician — with nine Grammy nominations under her belt — does manage to stay in touch with many of her relatives in India, but when it comes to an identity, it’s safe to say she’s a world citizen. Speaking to HELLO! during her short trip to India, she offered us an intimate glimpse into her music creation process, discussed the challenges of living up to her father’s legacy, and shared her plans for the near future.

Anoushka, welcome back to India! What’s on the agenda for you while you’re here and what’s in store ahead?

I’m in Mumbai for a few days of work and looking forward to playing music from my new album Chapter I: Forever, For Now. Then it’s back to the grind with the main focus on touring globally and releasing the ongoing chapters of music.

Do you enjoy returning to India, does it feel like a bit of a homecoming for you?

Yeah, very much so. It’s always wonderful to come back. Some cities bring me more joy, while others offer a different experience. I have family in India. Though I’m closer to my mum’s family in the South, there are some members of my dad’s family in the country as well, though many of them have settled in the States over the years.

Tell us a bit about Forever, For Now? How did the idea of a trilogy of ‘mini albums’ come up and what’s the theme behind it?