Pandit Ravi Shankar was a legendary sitar virtuoso and composer from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, who brought Indian classical music to the global stage. Born on April 7, 1920, he initially trained in dance but later devoted himself to the sitar under the guidance of Allauddin Khan. With unmatched skill and deep understanding of ragas, he became one of the most influential Indian musicians of the 20th century.
His collaborations with international artists, especially George Harrison of The Beatles, helped popularize Indian music worldwide. He performed at major global events like the Monterey Pop Festival and Woodstock and composed for films such as Pather Panchali and Gandhi. For his outstanding contributions, he received numerous honors, including the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, and multiple Grammy Awards. Through his music and teaching, Ravi Shankar bridged cultures and left a lasting legacy as a global ambassador of Indian classical music.