In the realm of global music, it’s not every day that an artist from the idyllic lands of India graces the prestigious stage of the Grammy Awards. The year 2024 saw such a momentous occasion as singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan, along with tabla maestro Zakir Hussain’s fusion band ‘Shakti,’ took home the trophy for the Best Global Music Album. As Shankar Mahadevan turned 57 on March 3, the world looked on in celebration of his career – a journey marked by humble beginnings, a meteoric rise with ‘Breathless’ in 1998, and culminating into Grammy success.
Shankar Mahadevan is not one to let fame cloud his perspective. A man who rejoices in each small success, he finds immense joy in sharing his achievements, no matter the scale. In an intimate conversation with mid-day.com, Mahadevan expressed his elation over the Grammy win, terming it as a victory not only for him but for Indian music as a whole. “The feeling of being from India grew deeper. This win signifies that Indian music is reaching out globally, and is being loved and appreciated by a global audience,” he reflected.
This Grammy win was not just celebrated by Mahadevan but symbolized a larger cultural victory showcasing the global resonance of Indian artistry. The artist, always grounded, added that the experience of winning the award was incomparable, a moment that transcended materialistic pleasures and shaped into a trance when the announcement echoed through the Grammy hall. Although Zakir Hussain could not join him on stage due to prior engagements, Mahadevan’s speech was a heartfelt tribute to his fellow bandmates, and a devotion to his wife, to whom he poetically dedicated every note of his music.
The fusion band ‘Shakti’, which is a confluence of musical mastery with John McLaughlin on guitar, V Selvaganesh on percussion, and Ganesh Rajagopalan on violin, stood out amongst competitors that included renowned artists like Susana Baca, Bokante, Burna Boy, and Davido. Their album ‘This Moment’, released on June 30 of the prior year, was not just a collection of tracks but a testimony to collaborative genius that transcended cultural and geographical boundaries.
The legacy of Shankar Mahadevan is a tapestry woven with numerous accolades – three National Film Awards for Best Playback Singer and the prestigious Padma Shri in 2019, the fourth-highest civilian award of India. Yet, what makes his contribution stand out in the field of music is his versatility and the ability to touch hearts with songs across genres. From the soul-stirring ‘Maa’ to the foot-tapping ‘Pretty Woman’ and the inspiring ‘Taare Zameen Par’, he has been the voice behind numerous hits over his twenty-plus-year career.
On the occasion of his birthday, the industry and fans alike look back on a career that is embellished with milestones. As Shankar Mahadevan continues to create music that resonates universally, his philosophy of finding joy in the smallest of achievements serves as a beacon of inspiration. The Grammy may have placed him on a global pedestal, yet it is his humility and passion for music that endear him to audiences far and wide. In celebrating Shankar Mahadevan, we find a reflection of the larger narrative of Indian music – its richness, its diversity, and its capability to unite listeners around the world in a symphony of shared appreciation.