The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, extended his heartfelt congratulations to musicians Ustad Zakir Hussain, Rakesh Chaurasia, Shankar Mahadevan, Selvaganesh V, and Ganesh Rajagopalan for their remarkable achievement in winning the Grammy award for ‘Best Global Music’. The esteemed band ‘Shakti’, known for their fusion music, received this prestigious accolade for their album titled ‘This Moment’. Their exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to music have not only won the hearts of people worldwide but also made India immensely proud.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister expressed his admiration, stating, “Congratulations to Zakir Hussain, Rakesh Chaurasia, Shankar Mahadevan, Selvaganesh V, and Ganesh Rajagopalan on your phenomenal success at the Grammys! Your exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to music have captivated audiences around the world. India is proud of your achievements! These accomplishments are a testament to your relentless hard work and will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of artists to dream big and excel in the field of music.”
Shakti, a fusion music group comprising Zakir Hussain and Shankar Mahadevan, emerged victorious at the Grammys in the category of Best Global Music Album for their masterpiece ‘This Moment’. The album also features Shakti’s founding member, guitarist John McLaughlin, along with Zakir, Shankar, violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan, and percussionist Selvaganesh Vinayakram. ‘This Moment’ is Shakti’s first studio album in over 45 years and has received widespread critical acclaim since its release in June 2023.
During the Grammys, Shankar Mahadevan took the stage alongside Ganesh Rajagopalan and Selvaganesh, where he acknowledged and expressed gratitude towards John and Zakir. While John was unable to attend the ceremony, Zakir was backstage as he had won another Grammy. Shankar, in his speech, dedicated the win to his wife Sangeeta, saying, “We miss you, John ji. Zakir Hussain, he just had another Grammy today. Thank you boys, God, family, friends, and India. We are proud of you, India.”
Zakir Hussain’s success did not stop at one Grammy. He went on to win two more awards at the event: one for Best Global Music Performance for ‘Pashto’ and another for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for ‘As We Speak’. The latter album features banjo player Bela Fleck, bassist Edgar Meyer, and Indian flute player Rakesh Chaurasia.
Ricky Kej, a three-time Grammy winner who was present at the awards ceremony, hailed 2024 as the year of India at the Grammys. He expressed his excitement, stating, “Wowwww… this is truly India’s year at the Grammys!!! Wowww… Rakesh Chaurasia, Shankar Mahadevan, Ganesh Rajagopalan, Selvaganesh Vinayakram, and Ustad Zakhir Hussain… India is truly shining!! Thrilled!!!! 5 Indians win in a single year :-)”
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The remarkable success of Ustad Zakir Hussain, Rakesh Chaurasia, Shankar Mahadevan, Selvaganesh V, and Ganesh Rajagopalan at the Grammys not only highlights their exceptional talent but also brings immense pride to India. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring musicians, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and excel in the world of music.
