Grammy Nominee Anoushka Shankar Opens Up on Skipping Awards, Prioritizing Mental Health and True Artistic Expression
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Sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar has shared her reasons for skipping the 68th annual Grammy Awards, choosing instead to focus on her projects in India and prioritize her mental health. In an Instagram post, the Grammy-nominated artist reflected on the pressures of attending major awards events and the importance of genuine artistic connection with her audience. Anoushka, a two-time nominee for Chapter III: We Return to Light and Daybreak, expressed her pride in being recognized by the music industry. However, she admitted that the lead-up to the event, with its intense preparations and stress, can take a toll on one's mental health. 'Sometimes, the process of spending thousands of dollars on attending, marketing, and navigating the machine can be overwhelming,' she wrote. The artist also touched on the realities of the music industry, where bigger artists often have more resources to spend on marketing and networking. 'There is always a bigger artist who has more money to spend on marketing, and there is always an artist who chooses to spend months networking,' she acknowledged. Anoushka emphasized the importance of staying true to her artistic expression, which she finds in performing and connecting with her audience in India. 'Being here in India, working and laughing with my band and crew, is the stuff of reality, of my TRUEST artistic life,' she said. With 13 Grammy nominations under her belt, Anoushka remains committed to her art, even if it means forgoing the spotlight. 'If tonight, I happen to win for the first time, of course, it will be a joyful experience, but I truly believe it doesn’t matter in a deeper context,' she concluded. Anoushka's dedication to her craft and her prioritization of mental health serve as an inspiration to artists and music lovers alike. As she continues to create and perform, her message of staying true to one's artistic expression resonates with fans around the world.
