MINNEAPOLIS: Anoushka Shankar, the daughter of globally famous sitarist Ravi Shankar but a classic Sitar player in her own right, had come to Minneapolis last week for her special presentation "The Anoushka Shankar Project". India Post grabbed the opportunity and had a short interview with her before the presentation.
India Post: How does it feel to be the daughter of Ravi Shankar? Were you always originally interested in being in the musical profession or did you have something else in mind?
Anoushka Shankar: I grew up in an artist's environment. My father and mother are both artists and in addition to that, I grew up watching dancers, singers, and musicians of all kind. I am most positive that I would have done something to do with stage performance even if my father weren't such a notable artist as I just grew up in such an artistic environment.
IP: How does it feel to be the first Indian woman to have done things in the music scene?
AS: I do not know if it's something I've ever deliberately put myself out to do but it's definitely an honor when people recognize my work. Furthermore if what I do ever paves the way for other young woman then of course, I'm thrilled.
IP: What do you have in store for Minneapolis?
AS: Well, Minneapolis is the last stop on this tour and it is quite significant and I have a mix of things that I will be performing. I will be performing something from the last two albums of mine which will be live in concert and I will be performing some old compositions of my father's which no one has done besides me and also some traditional Indian playing tabla and piano as well.
IP: Will your father Ravi Shankar be attending this tour with you?
AS: Well I always go on each one of his tours as an accompanist and collaborator but of course he doesn't come on my tours!
IP: What can Anoushka fans look forward to in the year 2008?
AS: I am touring pretty intensively all year worldwide. I will be working on a couple of guest appearances for Lenni Kravitz and Nitin Sawhney. I am also premiering a new Concerto my father is currently writing, at Carnegie Hall at the end of the year.
IP: What do you have to say to your fans?
AS: Thank you! And please do continue to support different forms of music that the current music industry doesn't think is mainstream.
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