Shankar Mahadevan Reflects on Grammy Win: ‘I Completely Blacked Out’

Shankar Mahadevan, renowned vocalist and part of the band Shakti, experienced an unforgettable moment at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com auditorium when his band’s album “This Moment” was announced as the winner of the Best Global Music Album award at the Grammys 2024. Recollecting the overwhelming moment, Mahadevan revealed that he completely blacked out upon hearing the announcement, marking his first Grammy win.

In the aftermath of the global music event, where five Indians clinched the coveted prize, Mahadevan emphasized the privilege of winning a Grammy Award for Indian music. Expressing his sentiments, he described the Grammys stage as the epitome of world music recognition, attributing his success to a sense of honor and divine opportunity.

The band Shakti, comprising founding member John McLaughlin, tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan, and percussionist Selvaganesh Vinayakram, garnered acclaim for their album “This Moment,” which resonated with global audiences.

Reflecting on the intense moment of anticipation before the announcement, Mahadevan candidly shared the mix of emotions he experienced. The tension and anticipation during the award function, juxtaposed with the elation and joy upon winning, created a whirlwind of feelings that Mahadevan and his bandmates savored as they walked up the stage to receive the prestigious award.

Coincidentally, Mahadevan’s Grammy win coincided with the release of his authorized biography, “The Musical Maverick,” penned by Ashis Ghatak and published by Rupa Publications India Pvt. Ltd. The biography chronicles Mahadevan’s journey, capturing his musical evolution and personal anecdotes, adding another layer of significance to the momentous occasion.

Mahadevan acknowledged Ghatak’s dedication and simplicity in crafting the biography, reflecting on their journey of collaboration during the pandemic. The biography, featuring a foreword by veteran lyricist-screenwriter Javed Akhtar, offers insights into Mahadevan’s life and musical contributions, portraying a genuine narrative of a simple, middle-class musician.

Looking ahead, Mahadevan is poised for multiple feature films, OTT projects, and endeavors with the Shankar Mahadevan Academy, his music school. With international collaborations on the horizon, inspired by the Grammy Awards, Mahadevan remains committed to sharing his musical talents with the world.

Shankar Mahadevan’s Grammy win stands as a testament to his musical prowess and dedication, inspiring generations of musicians and enthusiasts alike, as he continues to make indelible contributions to the global music landscape.