Veteran Indian musician and sitar player Pandit Ravi Shankar passed away in a hospital in San Diego on December 11, 2012. The musician was 92 years old and was admitted to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, after he complained of breathing difficulties.
Shankar was admitted to the hospital on December 6, 2012 and he breathed his last on December 11, 2012 at 4:30 am. The sitar veteran is responsible for making classical Indian music popular in western countries and was also India’s musical ambassador.
Shankar has collaborated with several international artists, including George Harrison of The Beatles, which has helped him become popular around the globe. The musician was active till the end and was also one of the strong contenders for the next Grammy awards.
Pandit’s Ravi Shankar’s wife Sukanya and daughter Anoushka said in a joint statement, “It is with heavy hearts we write to inform you that Pandit Ravi Shankar, husband, father, and musical soul, passed away today”. The musician received a Bharat Ratna award in the year 1996 and he maintained his residence in India as well as the US.
The legendary musician is survived by his wife, two daughters, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The sitar maestro has thrice received Grammy awards and he last performed in California on November 4, 2012, with daughter Anoushka Shankar.
