Ravi Shankar death: Indian music has been orphaned today, says Javed Akhtar

Zeenews Bureau

New Delhi: He could easily be called the last word in Indian classical music. Sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar was known as the global ambassador of Indian classical music whose music transcended borders. Speaking to Zee News, lyricist Javed Akhtar condoled Panditji’s death and perhaps summed up the loos in an apt manner. The lyricist said, “ Indian music has been orphaned today.” “Saddened to hear the news. He was not only a great musician but also a great human being who was always ready to learn new things. He had this child like quality and even though he was great artist, he never shied away from appreciating other’s talent.” “ He had helped us a lot during the time of copyright issue. Just a few days back I spoke to his wife and got to know that he wasn’t keeping well, ” added Akhtar Dancer Shovna Narayan said, “We have really lost a stalwart. as a person he was fantastic, we have learnt so much from him.” “His bhakti, hard work, his struggle, his love for Indian culture….people may forget Mian Tansen but they will never forget Pandit Ravi Shankar,” said Flute exponent Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia. Singer Shubha Mudgal said, “It is a moment of such shocking grief. he created respect for Indian music internationally. “ Born in Varanasi on 7 April, 1920, Ravi Shankar was dance exponent Uday Shankar’s younger brother. He was a student of renewed sitar player, Allauddin Khan. A three-time Grammy award winner, Shankar last performed in California on November 4 along with his daughter Anoushka Shankar. Shankar has also been nominated for the 2013 Grammys for his album 'The Living Room Sessions Part-1' and was pitted against Anoushka in the same category.