Anoushka Shankar Celebrates 30 Years In Music With New Album ‘Chapter III: We Return To Light’ Featuring Alam Khan & Sarathy Korwar
Celebrated sitarist Anoushka Shankar marks 30 years in Indian classical music with the release of Chapter III: We Return To Light, a collaboration with Alam Khan and Sarathy Korwar.
Celebrated sitarist Anoushka Shankar, marking 30 years of performing Indian classical music, has unveiled her latest album, Chapter III: We Return To Light. The release follows the launch of her North American tour, which kicked off recently in Seattle, and sees Shankar collaborating with sarod player Alam Khan and British jazz sensation Sarathy Korwar.
This collaboration carries a rich musical legacy—Anoushka Shankar, daughter of sitar legend Ravi Shankar, and Alam Khan, son of sarod maestro Ali Akbar Khan, represent two of India’s most storied classical music families. Adding a fresh, modern dimension to the project is Sarathy Korwar, known for his innovative approach to British jazz and cross-cultural soundscapes.
related stories
Chapter III: We Return To Light is the third and final installment of Shankar’s ambitious trilogy, which she conceptualized in Goa. Blending her classical roots with contemporary influences, the album draws inspiration from Goa Trance and other electronic music genres, expanding the boundaries of traditional Indian music while honoring its essence.
The album features previously released singles Hiraeth and We Burn So Brightly, both of which have been praised for their seamless fusion of classical instrumentation and modern rhythms. Speaking about the project, Shankar expressed her intent to bridge geographies and generations, offering listeners a unique sonic experience grounded in heritage but not bound by it.
Anoushka Shankar, an 11-time Grammy nominee, continues to redefine the landscape of Indian classical music. Her ability to collaborate across genres while staying true to her roots has made her a trailblazer in the global music scene. Chapter III: We Return To Light further solidifies her role in shaping the evolving sound of Indian classical music for new audiences worldwide.
In an exclusive chat with News18 Showsha, Anoushka Shankar opened up about how deeply rooted her latest album, Chapter III: We Return To Light, is in her Indian heritage and personal connection to the country. She explained that the album marks the final piece of a carefully crafted trilogy, following Chapter One: Forever for Now and Chapter Two: How Dark It Is Before Dawn.
Describing the trilogy’s emotional arc, she shared, “It traces a cycle of feelings—moving from evening to night, and finally to the healing light of morning."
Shankar revealed that from the moment she began work on Chapter One, she had envisioned India’s iconic sun as the guiding image for the final chapter. “The intensity of the orange sun here is unlike anywhere else in the world. That heat, that light—I wanted to translate that into music," she said.
What sets Chapter III apart, she noted, is its strong Indian essence. “I was intentional about collaborating with Indian artists on this one. While the album remains experimental and fluid, much like my previous work, this chapter feels the most overtly connected to my roots."
The album is now available on all major streaming platforms.
- Location :
- First Published: