Grammys 2026: Anoushka Shankar skips ceremony despite two nominations for ‘Daybreak’ and ‘We Return to Light’, says ‘Being here in India…’
Anoushka Shankar wrote on Instagram: “It’s Grammy day! Proud to be nominated twice – for my album Chapter III: We Return to Light and the album’s lead song ‘Daybreak’. These are my 12th and 13th nominations, which is HUGE in itself!”
But despite the magnitude of the achievement, he was clear about why he chose not to attend the ceremony. “At the same time, it feels really nice to not get caught up in the whirlwind of intertwined excitement and stress that comes with major awards events in Los Angeles.”
“This year, during the ceremony, I consciously decided not to go and to be on the road in India.” For him, it was about aligning his actions with his long-held beliefs. “I wanted to practice what I preach, that my awards are not as important to people as the true connection that playing music provides us as artists.”
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Anoushka Shankar prioritizes mental health
Anoushka Shankar has spoken candidly about the emotional and financial strain that major awards events can bring. “I also wanted to take care of my mental health, and I have to say, sometimes the process of spending literally thousands of dollars for the privilege of flying, participating, marketing and getting caught up in the machinery, being extremely anxious about outfits and red carpets, starting to hope to win and then not (over and over!) can take a huge toll,” she wrote.
“There’s always a bigger mainstream artist who falls into our global categories and has MORE money to spend on marketing; there’s always an artist who chooses to spend months networking, attending candidate events, and getting their music and name in front of voters.”
“I don’t say this out of anger, I just say it to acknowledge what the behind-the-scenes reality might be,” he wrote. “If I win for the first time tonight, of course it will be an enjoyable experience, but in a deeper context I truly believe it doesn’t matter.”
For Shankar, being in India during the Grammys means much more than attending the ceremony. “Being here in India, where Part III truly begins, working, laughing and playing with my incredible band and crew, is the stuff of reality, my TRUE artistic life.”
He concluded his message with a heartfelt tribute to his fellow nominees and fans alike, adding: “I wish luck and love to everyone nominated tonight, especially everyone whose music I truly love and respect, and to our listeners in Mumbai – we can’t wait to see you!”
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Who is Anoushka Shankar?
Sitar player and composer Anoushka Shankar has emerged as one of the leading figures in World Music today. Privately trained by his father, the legendary Ravi Shankar, he is deeply committed to Indian classical music and is currently one of the leading artists in this tradition.
Anoushka Shankar started studying sitar at a young age under the tutelage of her father. By the age of 13 he was performing professionally, demonstrating his extraordinary talent and deep understanding of Indian classical music. Her debut album, Anoushka, released in 1998, marked the beginning of a remarkable career in music.
He gave his first performance in New Delhi at the age of 13. That same year, Anoushka entered the recording studio for the first time to play “Adarini” on her father’s album In Celebration. Two years later, he made his debut as a conductor on his father’s album Chants Of India, produced by George Harrison.
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Shortly thereafter, she signed an exclusive record contract with Angel/EMI, and in the fall of 1998, her debut solo record, Anoushka, was released to critical acclaim. Anoushka’s second album, Anourag (2000), expanded and improved upon what she had previously recorded, and was followed by Live at Carnegie Hall (2001), which earned her her first Grammy nomination, making her the youngest ever nominee in the World Music category.
Collaborating with artists such as Herbie Hancock, Patti Smith, Joshua Bell, Gold Panda, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Thomas Newman, Jules Buckley, Jacob Collier and His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Shankar’s work spans a wide range of genres, from traditional Indian ragas to contemporary fusion. It received critical acclaim and eleven Grammy nominations, highlighting its innovative approach and dedication to pushing the boundaries of its artistry.
