Ravi Shankar

Bio

Ravi Shankar (7 April 1920 – 11 December 2012) was an Indian sitar virtuoso and composer who played a pivotal role in introducing Indian classical music to the West. Born in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, he trained under the renowned multi-instrumentalist Allauddin Khan and became the leading exponent of the sitar in the mid-20th century. Shankar performed extensively across the globe, collaborating with Western artists such as George Harrison of the Beatles and violinist Yehudi Menuhin. His recordings and live appearances helped popularize the sitar and Hindustani classical traditions, influencing generations of musicians and audiences worldwide. Beyond performance, Shankar composed for films, ballets, and orchestral ensembles, and he founded institutions to preserve and teach Indian classical music. He received numerous honors, including India’s highest civilian awards, and continued performing until shortly before his death.