Acclaimed Grammy-nominated sitarist, music composer and producer Anoushka Shankar recently, about a troubling experience with a fan that got him thinking about personal boundaries, trauma and healing. In a post-show interaction he stated that a man had physically lifted him off the floor without asking for permission.
Anoushka Shankar shares what happened when a fan lifted her up without permission
Taking to Instagram to narrate the disturbing experience, Anoushka shared: “A man picked me up last weekend. I mean, he physically lifted me up. He asked if he could, but he didn’t wait for an answer suspended in the air, wrapped in a bear hug by a stranger, feet dangling. After meeting him so quickly and meeting some fans. I giggled and asked him to leave, signed his poster, smiled and waved.“
Anoushka Shankar says her history of abuse made it difficult for her to respond at this time
Anoushka quickly clarified that she didn’t think the man had any bad intentions, and that he was probably too excited and didn’t think before he acted. The music composer said he still believes that to be true. However, he admitted that he was surprised to see the people around him reacting with far more shock and anger than he felt. She added: “A few days later, reality set in. Once again, my history of abuse meant I didn’t know how to respond appropriately to someone overstepping my boundaries in real time. I focused his hypothetical intention on my lived experience of discomfort. When this happens, feelings of shame, sadness and frustration can arise. How can I still be struggling with these endless nuances?”
Anoushka Shankar says that one moment was enough to bring back the old pain
Although she has come a long way in her healing journey, she shared that one moment was enough to bring back the old pain. Opening up about her feelings, she concluded: “Another layer of childhood memories is surfacing and shedding. I’m sharing this to say that if, like me, you keep these experiences inside you, please go gently. (Yes, I find it easier to say that to others than to myself). Healing curves, and it’s never linear. If you lose your voice again for a moment, remember that you can always find it within. The distance between our bodies, our emotions and how our minds are able to read is shrinking every moment that separates us from our past.”
Anoushka Shankar has 14 wins Grammy nominations throughout his illustrious career
Anoushka has had an impressive career at the Grammy Awards, earning nominations in multiple categories in 2006, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2021, 2023 and 2024. In 2025, he added two more feathers to his cap to receive the Global 13. Dabrea best nomination award. in the Music Performance category and his 14th nomination for ‘Chapter III: We Return to Light’ in the Best Global Music Album category.
