Anoushka Shankar accused Air India Flights as she received her Sitar in broken pieces. The Heartbreaking video went viral on Internet where she slams Air India that she received her Sitar in devastating condition which she was playing for nearly two decades after a flight. Sitar is a cherished instrument which is close to the heart of every Sitar Player. She wrote that this act is ‘unthinkable‘ igniting the spark about the safety of such instruments during air flight.
Who is Anoushka Shankar?
Anoushka Shankar, daughter of the Legend Ravi Shankar, Is not just the Musician but also the ambassador of Indian Classical Music. She owned the Sitar for Almost 17 years, So this Sitar is not just an Instrument for her, it’s a emotion. It is a vessel of heritage, culture, memory and vintage.
After flying with Air India, when she reached the destination, she got to know that her Sitar has a deep crack running through the rounded base of the Sitar, rendering it unplayable.
In the emotional video, She mentioned that first she thought that the instrument was out of tune but after close inspection she got to know that the damage is Catastrophic. She said with grief and disbelief: You’re the country this Instrument belongs to, this is the first time something like this have ever happened to me in 15 or 17 years? How have you done this ?
Later She revealed she has taken special Precautions:
- Using the protective designs for Fragile Instruments
- Paying extra Safety fees for the Safety of the Instrument
Despite all this, the damage happened which questioned the safety of Air India Flights. Musicians often pay extra fees for the safety of delicate Instruments, In spite Shankar’s Experience show the Negligence. However, the Air India Flights have been concerned about the Safety of Fragile things. But the damage has already been done- not just to the sitar but also to their Reputation.
Public Response
Fans, other singers, and cultural analysts expressed solidarity as soon as the video became viral. The irony that India’s national carrier mismanaged an Indian classical instrument, hurting the same culture it represents, was brought out by many. People supported her when Anoushka Shankar accused Air India
The carelessness is highlighted by social media:
- Performers related their own terrifying tales of damaged instruments.
- Fans called on Air India to take responsibility.
- Cultural voices emphasized that India’s reputation as a guardian of classical arts is harmed by such carelessness.
For Shankar, the sitar was more than simply wood and strings; it accompanied him to many performances, recordings, and significant life events. Its demise serves as a metaphor for the vulnerability of cultural heritage when institutions neglect to safeguard it.
Beyond the personal, her loss serves as a reminder that art requires respect, care, and responsibility. Airlines that mishandle instrumentation also mishandle culture. Anoushka Shankar accused Air India not just for her own Sitar but she represented all the Musician and artist and want Air India to respect art and their Instruments.
Conclusion
Anoushka Shankar accused Air India is a wake-up call rather than merely a customer grievance. Airlines need to understand that shipping instruments is a cultural preservation issue rather than just standard cargo handling.
The situation is especially painful for India. As the national airline, Air India serves as a symbol of the nation. It feels like a betrayal to mishandle a sitar, a representation of India’s musical soul.
“You’re the country this music belongs to,” as Shankar herself stated. Her remarks reflect a broader reality: safeguarding equipment entails safeguarding cultural heritage. Musicians will continue to travel with dread, fearing that their art may not survive the trip, unless airlines take this responsibility seriously.
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