The 68th Annual Grammy Awards (2026) were not just another night of global music celebration—they became a moment of quiet pride for India. Beyond the widely discussed nominations of Anoushka Shankar and Shakti, several Indian and Indian-origin artists were represented across categories, performances, and credited collaborations. Together, they reflected India’s growing influence on the world’s most prestigious music stage.
As a proud Indian, this wasn’t just about trophies—it was about representation, respect, and resonance.
Anoushka Shankar: A Flag Bearer of Contemporary Indian Classical Music
Anoushka Shankar continued her long-standing Grammy journey in 2026 with:
- Nomination: Best Global Music Performance
- “Daybreak” (feat. Alam Khan & Sarathy Korwar)
- Nomination: Best Global Music Album
- Chapter III: We Return to Light
This marked her 13th career Grammy nomination, reinforcing her status as one of India’s most globally respected musicians. Though she did not attend the ceremony due to her India tour, her work stood tall among the world’s best.
Notably, Anoushka Shankar has been nominated multiple times over the years but is still awaiting her first competitive Grammy win—making her consistency even more remarkable.
Shakti: A Living Legacy of Indo-Jazz Fusion
The legendary group Shakti, a pioneering force in Indo-jazz fusion, earned a nomination for:
- “Shrini’s Dream (Live)” – Best Global Music Performance
Why Shakti’s Presence Matters
- Features Indian classical mastery blended with jazz improvisation
- Carries the legacy of the late Ustad Zakir Hussain, one of India’s most decorated Grammy winners
- Represents intergenerational excellence in Indian music innovation
Shakti has been associated with Grammy recognition in previous years as well, making their 2026 presence part of a continuing legacy rather than a one-off appearance.
Zakir Hussain: India’s Most Decorated Grammy Name (In Spirit and Influence)
Although not individually nominated in 2026, Ustad Zakir Hussain’s influence loomed large:
- Integral to Shakti’s global identity
- Multiple-time Grammy winner in previous years
- Instrumental in shaping how Indian percussion is perceived worldwide
His continued association with Grammy-nominated projects ensures that India’s rhythmic traditions remain central to global music conversations.
Alam Khan: Carrying the Sarod Legacy Forward
Featured alongside Anoushka Shankar in “Daybreak,” Alam Khan represents the next generation of Indian classical musicians:
- Son of sarod maestro Ali Akbar Khan
- Credited performer on a Grammy-nominated global track
- Known for blending traditional ragas with modern soundscapes
While this marked one of his most prominent Grammy-associated appearances, Alam Khan’s presence highlighted how Indian classical families continue to shape global music.
Sarathy Korwar: The New Voice of Indian Rhythmic Experimentation
Another key contributor to “Daybreak,” Sarathy Korwar stood out as:
- A genre-defying percussionist and composer
- An Indian-origin artist redefining rhythm through jazz, electronic, and Indian folk influences
Though not new to international acclaim, Grammy recognition further cemented Korwar’s role as a global innovator rooted in Indian musical thought.
Indian-Origin Artists Across the Grammy Ecosystem
Beyond headline nominations, Indian and Indian-origin musicians were also present in:
- Credited performances
- Collaborative albums
- Production and composition roles
This mirrors a broader trend seen in recent years, where Indian-origin artists increasingly contribute behind the scenes—often shaping Grammy-nominated works even when not named as lead artists.
Several of these musicians have previously been associated with Grammy wins or nominations in earlier years, reflecting continuity rather than novelty in India’s global music presence.
A Pattern, Not an Exception: India at the Grammys
What stood out in 2026 was not just individual excellence, but a pattern:
- Indian classical instruments featured in global categories
- Indian-origin artists collaborating across cultures
- Recognition spread across generations—from legends to emerging voices
This aligns with the Recording Academy’s broader embrace of Global Music, where Indian traditions are no longer “world music sidelines” but central contributors.
Why This Matters for India
For Indian audiences, these nominations and performances represent:
- Global respect for Indian musical knowledge systems
- Validation of Indian classical and folk traditions in modern contexts
- Inspiration for young Indian musicians to think globally without losing cultural roots
India is no longer just participating at the Grammys—it is shaping the sound of global music.
Final Thoughts: A Proud Moment for Indian Music
The 2026 Grammy Awards reaffirmed something Indians have long known: our music travels effortlessly across borders. Whether through Anoushka Shankar’s meditative sitar, Shakti’s electrifying fusion, or the quiet brilliance of Indian-origin collaborators, India’s presence was felt deeply and authentically.
Awards may come and go, but representation at this level is a victory in itself—and India is only getting started.