India’s Global Harmony: Grammy 2026 Nods Celebrate Anoushka Shankar, Shakti, And Charu Suri

Indian talent is resonating across the global music stage as the 2026 Grammy nominations spotlight sitarist Anoushka Shankar, fusion ensemble Shakti, and jazz pianist Charu Suri. The Recording Academy’s announcement has placed these artists in major global categories, reinforcing India’s cultural footprint in contemporary world music.

Anoushka Shankar leads the Indian contingent with two nominations: Best Global Music Album for her EP “Chapter III: We Return to Light” and Best Global Music Performance for the track “Daybreak,” created in collaboration with sarod maestro Alam Khan and percussionist Sarathy Korwar. This marks her 11th Grammy nod, continuing a legacy shaped by her father, Pandit Ravi Shankar.

Key Highlights:  

• Anoushka’s Artistic Evolution: “Chapter III” concludes a trilogy exploring themes of transformation and light. Her fusion of Indian classical textures with modern soundscapes has earned critical acclaim and global resonance.
• Shakti’s Double Nomination: The Indo-jazz group Shakti, led by Shankar Mahadevan and guitarist John McLaughlin, received nominations for Best Global Music Album for “Shrini’s Dream (Live)” and Best Global Music Performance for “Mind Explosion” from their 50th Anniversary Tour. The group previously won a Grammy earlier this year.
• Charu Suri’s Jazz Recognition: Pianist Charu Suri, known for blending Carnatic ragas with Western jazz structures, earned a nomination in the Best Instrumental Composition category. Her work continues to redefine genre boundaries and elevate Indian jazz on the global stage.
• Collaborative Legacy: The nominations also honor the lineage of Indian classical music, with Alam Khan—son of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan—joining Shankar in a tribute to their fathers’ pioneering collaborations.
• Cultural Impact: These nominations reflect a growing appetite for Indian musical narratives in global forums. They also signal a shift toward more inclusive recognition of diverse sounds and traditions.

India’s presence at the 2026 Grammys is not just a celebration of individual excellence but a testament to the country’s evolving musical identity and its place in the global cultural dialogue.

Sources: Hindustan Times, Telegraph India, News18, Indian Express, Music Plus.