Indian sitar maestro Ravi Shankar dies at 92

Ravi, who was known internationally because of his association with The Beatles, died following surgery. He was 92.

14:54 13 December 2012

Indian sitar maestro Ravi Shankar died in a hospital in the United States following surgery. He was aged 92. Shankar, who was known internationally because of his association with The Beatles, was described by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as a “national treasure and global ambassador of India’s culture heritage.”

 

He was also once called “the godfather of world music” by George Harrison.  

 

In a statement, Shankar’s wife Sukanya and daughter Anoushka confirmed the sad news that the sitar maestro passed away after failing to recover from a recent surgery. 

 

“Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the surgeons and doctors taking care of him, his body was not able to withstand the strain of the surgery.”

 

“We were at his side when he passed away.”

 

“Although it is a time for sorrow and sadness, it is also a time for all of us to give thanks and to be grateful that we were able to have him as a part of our lives. He will live forever in our hearts and in his music.”