Young Achievers

Anoushka Shankar

Anoushka Shankar, the talented and gifted 19-year-old daughter of sitar maestro Ravi Shankar, is set to take the music world by storm. The release of Anoushka's second musical album 'Anourag' coincided with the start of the father-daughter duo's 'Full Circle' tour of the US. The concerts are in celebration of Ravi Shankar's 80th birthday, a life devoted to music.

The BBC Music Magazine stated, "Anouskha looks set to become as important a pioneer as her father". The New York Times commented after a concert by the father-daughter team, "During one piece, Ms. Shankar received a standing ovation. She is special, and her father, beaming, seemed to know it."

After completing her schooling in 1999, Anoushka decided to delay her entry into college to tour with her father. "I agree that I am lucky, I have a great opportunity because of who my father is." They are constantly on concert tours, in the U.S., India, Europe and the schedule is often hectic. Anoushka loves travelling and meeting people, and tutors young musicians in many places she visits.

Despite the age gap, the sitar has brought the father and daughter closer in a unique way. "We share a very special bond," Anoushka said of her relationship with her father. Her mother Sukanya, a talented Carnatic singer, started giving her music lessons when she was nine. She also received training from her father. Besides her father, Anoushka likes to listen to Vishwamohan Bhatt, Zakir Hussain and Sting. "I recently discovered violinist Joshua Bell, he is amazing," she says.

Anoushka's and the Shankars' dream project is the Ravi Shankar Centre in Delhi, designed to promote Indian music, dance and culture. "I will be deeply involved with the centre once it opens this year," she confesses.

The building for the Ravi Shankar Centre has been completed, and the Shankars seem set to pass on their love and knowledge of the arts to posterity.

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