'Still Pinching Myself': Sitarist Anoushka Shankar Receives Honorary Degree From Oxford University

Anoushka Shankar has accomplished a significant milestone in her career trajectory. According to the ANI, she will receive an Honorary Degree from the University of Oxford. According to the information shared by her team, Anoushka will be conferred with this coveted honour on June 19. The honour ceremony will be organised at the renowned university’s annual Encaenia academic ceremony. Besides the renowned sitarist, Warren East, Sir Demis Hassabis, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Sir Michael Palin and Professor Salim Yusuf will also be a part of a total 2024 cohort of six honorary degrees. The Never Forget Tibet composer expressed gratitude to the University of Oxford and her past teachers for this success.

As per the reports, Anoushka enjoys an extensive Grammy Awards history. She was the first Indian woman ever nominated and the youngest-ever nominee in the World Music Category for her album Live At Carnegie Hall in 2002. She also became the first Indian musician to perform at the ceremony in 2005, serve as a presenter in 2016 and perform for the second time in 2021. In addition to her fresh 8th and 9th nominations, the 42-year-old composer’s previous works have also been nominated for Grammy. These include Live At Carnegie Hall, Rise, Traveller, Traces Of You, Home, Land Of Gold and Love Letters.

Anoushka Shankar’s impressive repertoire stems from her extensive training under the guidance of her father, renowned sitarist Ravi Shankar. Commencing her sitar tutelage at just nine years old under her father’s mentorship, Anoushka debuted on stage at thirteen. Her inaugural album, Anoushka, debuted in 1998, followed by five additional studio albums.

In her personal life, Anoushka was previously married to British filmmaker Joe Wright, with whom she shares two children. Their seven-year marriage concluded in separation. The couple wed in a private ceremony in London in 2010. Before her marriage with Wright, Joe was engaged to Hollywood actress Rosamund Pike, although the union was called off in 2008. Presently 42, Anoushka is embracing single parenthood while continuing her musical pursuits.