Last performance was with oxygen mask

‘The godfather of world music’, multiple-Grammy awardee, sitar virtuoso Pt Ravi Shankar has been credited for putting Indian classical music on the global platform and his sad demise has created an irreparable void.

Born in Varanasi on April 7, 1920, Shankar grew up in Paris where he dabbled in cinema, jazz, and classical music. He was awarded with the Bharat Ratna in 1996. Shankar used to spend his time between India and the United States. The maverick who even taught George Harrison how to play a sitar, had inspired and influenced many, while his music had transcended the cultural barriers.

Pt Ravi Shankar was more than a musician – he paved the path for Indian musicians to be recognized on the international stage on the strength of their art.

Before undergoing the surgery, he played his last concert with daughter Anoushka on November 4 in California, and was also nominated for a Grammy for the album ‘The Living Room Sessions - Part 1.’
The iconic musician wore an oxygen mask for his last public performance at the California State University at Long Beach in the US on November 4 as he was suffering from respiratory problem.
“Panditji had his last public performance with an oxygen mask on before a select audience at the Performing Art Centre of the University on November 4 with daughter Anoushka,” said his one-time secretary and close associate Rabin Pal.