The 66th Grammy Awards will go down in history as the night of more than one global giant. One of these was Ustad Zakir Hussain, who became the first Indian to win three awards in a single night. It was truly Indian music’s time to shine on the world stage once again.
The allure of the Grammy Awards is undeniable. It’s a night where musical brilliance takes centre stage, where dreams are realised, and where the global music community unites in a celebration of excellence. For me, this year’s event held special significance as it was the first time I had the chance to attend. At the invitation of my friend, three-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej, I was in for a treat that turned out to be a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with unexpected twists and turns, culminating in a celebration of Indian excellence on the world stage.
On the day of the ceremony, Los Angeles was in a state of emergency due to an “atmospheric river” that dumped a historic amount of rain on the city known usually for its fine weather. I was staying at the JW Marriott LA Live, conveniently located near the Crypto Arena, where the Grammys were to unfold. The lobby where Ricky and I were supposed to meet was bustling. The hotel had created a special corner with a red carpet as a Grammy selfie station.
However, as we prepared to venture out, a seemingly trivial obstacle presented itself — the need for an umbrella. To my astonishment, the reception demanded a staggering $50 deposit for the loan of an umbrella, a surreal introduction to the realities of being in LA during Grammy weekend. Despite being willing to pay, they said no umbrellas were available, though a tip to a bellhop did the trick.
I arrived at the venue only to be greeted by lines of fellow attendees braving the elements. As we waited, a mix-up regarding entrances led to a series of redirected queues, each more labyrinthine than the last. The storm was blowing the umbrella away and even those with the most red-carpet worthy looks were getting wet.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we were inside the Crypto Arena, greeted by the dazzling spectacle of the Grammy Awards in full swing. I felt a surge of pride as India already made its mark on the global stage. Ustad Zakir Hussain, a maestro of unparalleled talent, etched his name in the annals of history by clinching three Grammys in a single night, a feat unmatched and unprecedented by any Indian. Virtuoso flautist Rakesh Chaurasia also ascended to new heights, securing two coveted awards. The two won joint awards for their album, As We Speak, in the Best Contemporary Instrumental Album category and a song on it, Pashto, won for Best Global Musical Performance.
Hussain also won Best Global Music Album as part of the group Shakti, which also features stalwarts Shankar Mahadevan, Selvaganesh Vinayakram and Ganesh Rajagopalan, for their album This Moment.
Prior to the Grammys, I had the privilege of attending a reception hosted by Ricky Kej, a luminary in his own right, at The Continental Club. Against the glimmering backdrop of Los Angeles, I witnessed firsthand the respect and admiration he commanded, not just as a musician but as a global ambassador for social change. The gathering served as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of music and its ability to transcend boundaries, unite hearts and inspire change. Moreover, the luncheon provided an opportunity to connect with music icons from around the world, including Rakesh Chaurasia. I was also impressed to see the energy of the 72-year-old Ustad Zakir Hussain, who performed on February 3 at the Kamani Auditorium in Delhi and made it to the Grammys just days later!
In retrospect, the 66th Grammy Awards demonstrated the enduring legacy of Indian cultural heritage. It was a night where dreams collided with reality, where tribulations gave way to triumphs, and where the bonds of friendship and camaraderie transcended barriers of language and nationality. I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to witness history in the making, to stand shoulder to shoulder with musical luminaries, and to bask in the radiant glow of Indian excellence on the global stage. The night will forever be a cherished memory where the world came together, united by the universal language of music.
The author is a managing trustee of the Prabha Khaitan Foundation. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.
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