Renowned sitarist Anoushka Shankar revealed that her sitar was damaged after a recent Air India flight, posting a video on social media showing a deep crack in the lower base of the instrument. She said the damage occurred despite using a hard protective case and paying extra for special handling.
In her post, Shankar expressed shock, noting that in her 15–17 years of air travel with other airlines, her instruments had never been damaged. She called the incident “deeply troubling” and questioned how the sitar could be broken despite precautions, emphasizing the cultural and personal value of the instrument.
Responding to the incident, Air India issued a statement saying it is “concerned” about the damage. The airline confirmed it has opened an investigation, including reviewing airport CCTV footage to determine when and how the damage occurred. The statement added that multiple handlers and agents were involved, making it difficult to immediately ascertain the cause.
The incident has sparked reactions from musicians and fans, who expressed dismay over the mishandling of a fragile and culturally significant instrument. Observers highlighted that while airlines often provide special handling for musical instruments, accidents can still happen, raising questions about baggage practices and accountability.
This is not the first time airlines have faced scrutiny for damaged instruments, but the incident has drawn attention due to Shankar’s prominence in the classical music world. Experts note that handcrafted instruments like sitars are delicate and any mishandling can cause long-term damage, affecting both sound quality and performance readiness.
Shankar’s post has renewed discussions on how airlines handle valuable musical instruments and whether existing protocols are sufficient. Fans and fellow musicians have voiced support for Shankar, urging airlines to ensure better care for delicate cultural instruments.
Air India has stated that it is committed to investigating the matter fully and will take appropriate action based on findings. Meanwhile, Shankar has highlighted the emotional impact of seeing her instrument damaged, emphasizing the importance of accountability and respect for artistic belongings during air travel.
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