Kolkata

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday paid tribute to legendary sitarist Ravi Shankar on his birth anniversary, hailing him as one of the foremost cultural torchbearers of Bengal’s Renaissance and a pride of Bengal.

In a post on X, Banerjee said the “rapturous melodies” of Ravi Shankar’s music helped introduce Indian classical music to global audiences and elevated its recognition worldwide.

“On the birth anniversary of the world-renowned sitarist... I offer him my deepest reverence and heartfelt respect. The rapturous melodies of his music have introduced Indian classical music to a new global recognition,” she wrote.

Born in Varanasi in 1920, Ravi Shankar emerged as one of the most influential figures in Indian classical music. After an early stint touring as a dancer with his brother Uday Shankar’s troupe, he devoted himself to the sitar under the guidance of Allauddin Khan.

Ravi Shankar played a pivotal role in popularising Indian classical music in the West, particularly during the 1960s. His performances at major international festivals such as Monterey Pop Festival and Woodstock Festival introduced global audiences to the depth and discipline of Indian ragas.

He also shared a close artistic association with George Harrison, influencing Western music and spirituality. Together, they organised the pioneering Concert for Bangladesh, one of the earliest large-scale benefit concerts.

Beyond performances, Ravi Shankar composed music for iconic films such as The Apu Trilogy and Gandhi, earning international acclaim, including an Academy Award nomination.

A recipient of the Bharat Ratna, he also won multiple Grammy Awards and served as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha from 1986 to 1992.

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His legacy continues through his daughters—Anoushka Shankar an