Anoushka Shankar’s Grammy experience: ‘It was really fun’

(DIYA TV) LOS ANGELES — Acclaimed musician and artist Anoushka Shankar, daughter of the late sitar player Ravi Shankar, got the chance to be a part of this year’s Grammy Awards — she spent the evening with other artists she has admired for many years, and was even given the opportunity to present awards during the ceremony. Shankar became the first Indian to ever present an award at the show, held annually each year at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

“It was really fun being backstage with people I admire and getting to be a part of what many call the ‘real’ Grammys in the daytime, where a truly global and diverse group of artists are represented,” Shankar said.

She herself received a nomination this year in the Best World Music Album category for the work on her recently released solo album titled “Home.” Though she did not win the award —falling just short of Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo— it was her fifth Grammy nomination. “I teased Angelique to stop beating me in that category! She’s an amazing artist and woman and deserves every win though,” she said in defeat.

Shankar spoke highly of Indo-British filmmaker Asif Kapadia, who was honored with the award of Best Music Film for his production of “Amy.” The film was a documentary on the life and times of the late singer Amy Winehouse. “Oh, without doubt he deserved that win. Amy is an incredible documentary into the life of a unique artist and the trials of an addict. Recovery is something very close to my heart for personal reasons and therefore, the film impacted me greatly,” Shankar said.

Kendrick Lamar, stole the show and collected the most awards during the show — he won five awards for his album “To Pimp a Butterfly.” His performance also stole Shankar’s attention, she later said his was her favorite.

“Without a doubt, Kendrick Lamar’s visceral and politically-charged performance was my favorite. In the face of controversy around how white the Oscars have been, I felt proud in that moment,” she said.

Shankar is preparing to promote a new record of her own — “Land of Gold” has already been recorded, and she will soon begin traveling in an effort to promote it, including in India. “Yes, I will be touring, although not until later in the year. We begin the tour in North America before traveling through Europe and finally India and the Middle East late-autumn onwards,” she said.

Her new record, which is set for an April 1 release date, is said to be a direct response to the trauma and injustices being experienced by refugees and victims of war.