Renowned singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan made a triumphant return to India in the early hours of Thursday, receiving a warm welcome adorned with flowers and chocolates following his victory at the 2024 Grammys. Shankar, along with tabla maestro Zakir Hussain’s fusion band Shakti, clinched the prestigious Best Global Music Album award at the ceremony held in Los Angeles.
Overwhelmed by the reception, Shankar joyfully embraced his loved ones who had gathered at the airport with gifts, posing for paparazzi with a beaming smile. Sporting a sweatshirt proudly displaying his band’s name, he expressed his gratitude to his fellow bandmates, emphasising the significance of the win after 25 years of touring.
Reflecting on the momentous occasion, Shankar took to Instagram to share his elation, accompanied by a heartfelt thank-you note. He marvelled at the realisation of his dream with Shakti, acknowledging the transformative power of music. The award-winning album, This Moment, released the previous year, stood out among competitors such as Susana Baca, Bokante, Burna Boy, and Davido.
Shankar, accompanied by guitarist John McLaughlin, percussionist V Selvaganesh, and violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan in Shakti, expressed gratitude in his acceptance speech, extending special appreciation to his homeland, family, friends, and his wife, to whom he dedicated every note of his musical journey.