Celebrating Sitar Maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar: Father of world music

Pandit Ravi Shankar, born on April 7, 1920, in Varanasi, is celebrated as a legendary sitar maestro and is often referred to as the father of world music

In his youth, Ravi Shankar joined his brother Uday Shankar's dance troupe, which led to his initial connection with the sitar and his desire to learn from Ustad Allauddin Khan

He committed to a rigorous eight-year formal music education in Maihar under Ustad Allauddin Khan, marking the beginning of his illustrious career

After completing his training, Ravi Shankar moved to Mumbai in 1944, where he composed music for several Bollywood films, including notable works for directors like Satyajit Ray and Richard Attenborough

At the age of 25, he composed music for the famous composition 'Saare Jahan Se Accha' and contributed to the soundtrack of Satyajit Ray's 'Pather Panchali,' showcasing his unique musical style

Ravi Shankar's deep bond with his sitar was legendary, often traveling with it by booking an extra seat next to him on flights

His personal life included marriages to Annapurna Devi and relationships with Kamala Shastri, Sue Jones, and Sukanya, with daughters Norah Jones and Anoushka Shankar continuing his musical legacy

During his career, he served as a music director for All India Radio and was a Rajya Sabha member from 1986 to 1992

Ravi Shankar's contributions to music earned him three Grammy Awards and India's highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, in 1999

His influence extended beyond India, as he played a significant role in popularizing Indian classical music worldwide