Pandit Ravi Shankar was a legendary sitar player and one of India's most esteemed classical musicians. Pandit Ravi Shankar has made a major contribution in popularizing Indian classical music in the West through his association with The Beatles (especially George Harrison). In 1938, Ravi Shankar gave up a possible dance career and started learning sitar under Allauddin Khan, founder of the Maihar Gharana of Indian classical music. Ravi Shankar's formal training ended in 1944. Thereafter, Pandit Ravi Shankar joined the IPTA and composed music for several ballets, started Renaissance artistes in 1947.
Panditji was closely associated with AIR & Doordarshan. He was in charge of Vadya Vrinda at the All India Radio in 1949. In National Programme of Music broadcast from AIR, the first sitar recital was from Pandit Ravishankar. The signature tune of Doordarshan, a variation of Iqbal's Saare jahaan se achcha, was also composed by Pandit Ravi Shankar with Ustad Ali Ahmed Hussain Khan.
Pandit Ravi Shankar first performed outside India in the Soviet Union in 1954. He also performed at major events such as the Edinburgh Festival as well as major venues such as Royal Festival Hall. In 1960s, Ravi Shankar's fusion with George Harrison, a member of The Beatles became very popular in the US and helped in popularizing Indian classical music in the West.
Pandit Ravi Shankar has won several honours and awards. These include: Padma Vibhushan, Magsaysay Award, two Grammy Awards, Fukuoka Grand Prize from Japan, and the Crystal Award from Davos. In 1999, Ravi Shankar was awarded with Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour. He was also a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha, India's upper house of Parliament, from 1986 to 1992.
Pandit Ravi Shankar has won several honours and awards. These include: Padma Vibhushan, Magsaysay Award, two Grammy Awards, Fukuoka Grand Prize from Japan, and the Crystal Award from Davos. In 1999, Ravi Shankar was awarded with Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour. He was also a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha, India's upper house of Parliament, from 1986 to 1992.
Contributed By : Shri Pradeep Mehra इ-मेल: pradeep.diff@gmail.com
If you want to share more information about Panditji's Association with AIR/DD mail it to pbparivar@gmail.com
If you want to share more information about Panditji's Association with AIR/DD mail it to pbparivar@gmail.com
First Published on 31.07.2013
Akashwani and Doordarshan have a special significance as the grand old National Public Service Broadcasters and both of them have very rich and glorious history. Almost every renowned singer, celebrated dancer and distinguished and eminent writer have been associated with Akashwani, especially in the 1940s-50s and beyond. Many of them were associated with Doordarshan as well. Doordarshan has also contributed to the blossoming of many Film Directors, Artists, and Producers.PB Parivar calls upon each of its members to join hands in building up this data base and saluting our veterans.
Please tell us about Celebrity Artists associated with your or any other AIR/DD Station. (just 6-10 lines)
Kindly submit the details & photographs of the artist, if available by email to pbparivar@gmail.com