The Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year Awards India 2025 ceremony, held in Mumbai, served as a vibrant celebration of female brilliance and inspiration. Among the distinguished individuals honored that evening was Anoushka Shankar, the masterful sitar player whose compositions have long transcended the conventional boundaries of genre, culture, and time.
This recent accolade further cemented her established role as a global musical ambassador for unity. Harper’s Bazaar specifically recognized Anoushka Shankar for her profound contribution to world music, emphasizing that her artistry does more than simply grace stages; it actively fosters dialogue between diverse cultures. In her hands, sound becomes a vital bridge, and silence transforms into a space for mutual understanding.
Tradition as the Foundation for Innovation
Anoushka Shankar’s artistic trajectory represents a powerful synthesis of deep tradition and bold innovation. From her earliest years, she absorbed the rigorous discipline of classical Indian music under the tutelage of her father, the legendary Ravi Shankar. This foundational training later allowed her to evolve this classical form into a universal language capable of engaging the modern world.
A testament to her global impact, Anoushka Shankar has received eleven nominations for the prestigious Grammy Award. She secured her place in history as the first Indian musician ever to perform live during the Grammy ceremony—a pivotal moment that symbolized widespread cultural recognition and served as a powerful source of inspiration for millions of listeners worldwide.
She once articulated her artistic philosophy in an interview, stating: “When I play, I don’t think about sounding Indian or Western. I am simply trying to be honest to every single note.”
In 2024, Oxford University bestowed upon Anoushka Shankar the title of Honorary Doctor of Music, recognizing her significant influence on the global musical landscape. This honor was more than just a formal award; it reflected her core life philosophy: using art as a vehicle for cultural reconciliation and profound spiritual growth.
Reflecting on this significant achievement, Anoushka noted, “I couldn’t believe I could receive such an honor—especially from Oxford. This is a sign of gratitude to everyone who helped me not lose myself in music,” acknowledging her early mentors and, crucially, her father.
Music as a Path to Inner Mastery
The recognition accorded to Anoushka Shankar extends far beyond a mere sequence of awards. It confirms that true greatness emerges from sincere dedication and service to one's craft. Today, her body of work stands as a powerful emblem of quiet strength, where technical virtuosity merges seamlessly with mindfulness, elevating her mastery to a form of spiritual practice.
Every performance she gives serves as a potent reminder: in a world saturated with noise, music remains an essential space where truth can be found.
She does not merely play the strings—she plays the light. And through her sitar, the very breath of the World resonates.