Anoushka Shankar Celebrates 20 Years with the GRAMMYs – 11 Nominations and Counting!

Anoushka Shankar, a world-renowned sitar player and composer, has had a remarkable career intertwined with the GRAMMY Awards for over two decades. Her journey, filled with historic achievements, nominations, and groundbreaking performances, reflects her deep connection to both the awards and global music.
A Historic Start at the GRAMMYs
In 2002, Anoushka Shankar became the youngest nominee and the first Indian woman nominated in the World Music category for her album Live At Carnegie Hall. Just three years later, she made history again as the first Indian musician to perform at the GRAMMYs, placing Indian classical music on an international platform and inspiring audiences worldwide.
Her journey with the GRAMMYs didn’t stop there. In 2016, she returned as a presenter, wearing a custom Manish Arora outfit that was later displayed at the GRAMMY Museum for over a year. In 2021, she performed once again, this time remotely during the GRAMMY broadcast held under lockdown. Each appearance strengthened her role as a global music ambassador, showcasing her dedication to her craft and her culture.
In 2023, Anoushka Shankar added another milestone by performing for a third time at the GRAMMYs. This performance was special not just for her but also for the South Asian community, as she was co-nominated with Pakistani singer Arooj Aftab for their song Udhero Na in the Best Global Performance category. The collaboration was celebrated as a symbol of unity between India and Pakistan, showcasing the power of music to bridge cultures and promote peace.
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This year, Anoushka Shankar has earned her 10th and 11th GRAMMY nominations, an incredible feat that highlights her impact on the global music scene. Her latest album, Ch II: How Dark it is Before Dawn, has been nominated for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album. She also features in Jacob Collier’s A Rock Somewhere, nominated for Best Global Performance. These nominations add to her extensive list of recognitions for albums like Rise, Traveller, Traces Of You, Home, Land Of Gold, Love Letters PS, and Between Us…, all celebrated in the Best Global Music Album category.
Reflecting on her nominations, Anoushka shares, “It’s a wonderful feeling to be Grammy-nominated again this year, and twice! I’m especially grateful that my latest album has been nominated, not least as it means the music I sent out into the world in hopes for peace and healing reaches even more people.” Her gratitude is evident, though she candidly admits that the journey has its bittersweet moments.
“Although I’m very fortunate to have been nominated so many times, I’ve never won. I’ve learned to try to stay focused on gratitude for the initial nomination and just enjoy the ride,” she says. “But I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was hoping for a different outcome! I hope people are with me, and I’m grateful to once again be representing India on the global stage.”
A Legacy of Musical Excellence and Hope
Anoushka Shankar’s career continues to inspire not only through her talent but also her resilience and humility. Her journey with the GRAMMYs reflects both her personal and professional growth, showing her commitment to pushing boundaries and representing her roots. This year, as she stands nominated yet again, fans across the globe are rallying behind her, hoping for a long-deserved win.
Her dedication to bringing Indian classical music to the world stage has left an indelible mark on global music culture. Through her music, Anoushka Shankar has connected with people from all walks of life, spreading messages of peace, unity, and healing—a legacy that extends far beyond awards.