Anoushka Shankar interview: I feel a deep gratitude when I perform in India
The Hindu
Anoushka Shankar's musical journey, family legacy, trilogy album, creative process, and collaborations discussed in an insightful interview.
Anoushka Shankar has impacted the music world by creating a unique sound and style of her own. Her ability to blend traditional Indian classical music with genres such as jazz, electronica, and contemporary classical has contributed to her evolution as a musician.
Her latest project — a trilogy album — exemplifies this. The first two instalments of her mini-album comprise Chapter I: Forever, For Now, released in October last year, followed by Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn in April.
In an in-depth conversation over a video call from London, Anoushka delves into the intricacies of her creative process, her collaborative experiences, and reflections on her musical legacy.
Excerpts from an edited interview:
What inspired the trilogy and how are ragas, themes and moods represented across its parts?
The chapters depict a musical journey split into distinct parts. Each chapter explores unique themes and moods; Chapter One evokes a sunlit garden with melodies, and the evening raga Madhumati, while Chapter Two delves experimentally into the night and healing through ambient textures. The upcoming Chapter Three promises a culmination with themes of strength and joy.
What inspires your compositions — situations leading to music or the need to create music that defines the situation?
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has sought a report from the State government on a complaint that the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) had taken up works amounting to ₹387 crore in violation of rules in Varuna and Srirangapatna Assembly constituencies, allegedly on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s oral instructions.
“We are organising a health research convention, which comprises a couple of workshops, community-based learning, and also cardiac care. We also included a one-day seminar on medical education, how medical education has evolved in India and the U.K., and what we can learn from each other” said Dr. Piruthivi Sukumar Dean of the International Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Leeds during his interaction with The Hindu.