The 67th Grammy Awards nominations have just been revealed, and Indian-origin artists are making waves on the global stage.

Among the nominees are six talented individuals, including Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej, sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar, and the versatile Varijashree Venugopal.

With their remarkable achievements, these artists are now competing for the prestigious Grammy trophy, showcasing India’s rich musical legacy.

The Grammy Awards ceremony will take place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 2, 2025.

Indian-origin Artists Making Their Mark

1. Ricky Kej

Ricky Kej, the Bengaluru-based environmentalist and musician, has been nominated in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category for his album Break of Dawn.

This marks his fourth Grammy nomination, following three previous wins. Kej’s music often intertwines with his advocacy for environmental issues.

His first Grammy win came in 2015 with Winds of Samsara, followed by Divine Tides, a collaboration with Stewart Copeland, which won him his second Grammy.

2. Anoushka Shankar

Anoushka Shankar, the accomplished sitar player and daughter of legendary Ravi Shankar, has received two nominations.

Her album Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn is up for the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album award.

Additionally, she has been recognized for her collaboration with British multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier on the track A Rock Somewhere, which is nominated in the Best Global Music Performance category.

Anoushka, who became the first Indian to perform at the Grammys in 2006, now has over nine Grammy nominations to her name.

3. Radhika Vekaria

British-born Indian artist Radhika Vekaria has earned a nomination in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category for her album Warriors of Light.

Radhika’s vocals span multiple languages, including Sanskrit, Hindi, Tamil, and English.

Born in the UK to parents of Indian descent, her album is her second after Sapta: The Seven Ways, which she released in 2020.

4. Chandrika Tandon

Chandrika Tandon, entrepreneur and artist, has also received a nomination for Triveni, her collaborative album with flutist Wouter Kellerman and cellist Éru Matsumoto, in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category.

Known for her classical music background, Tandon was first nominated for a Grammy in 2010 for her album Om Namo Narayana: Soul Call. She is also the older sister of former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi.

5. Varijashree Venugopal

Varijashree Venugopal, a vocalist, flautist, and composer from Bengaluru, is nominated for Best Global Music Performance for her contribution to the song A Rock Somewhere alongside Anoushka Shankar.

This is Venugopal’s first Grammy nomination, and she also contributed to Ricky Kej’s album Break of Dawn.

6. Noshir Mody

Mumbai-born Noshir Mody, a self-taught guitarist, has received his first Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Performance for his work on the song Kashira, performed with Masa Takumi, Ron Korb, and Dale Edward Chung.

Mody, who moved to the US at the age of 22, honed his craft in New York City’s jazz scene.

As the Grammy Awards approach, these Indian-origin artists stand as a testament to the global influence of Indian music, each bringing a unique blend of tradition and innovation to the international stage.

Impact of These Nominations on South Asian Community

The recent Grammy nominations for six Indian-origin artists, including Ricky Kej, Anoushka Shankar, and Varijashree Venugopal, have had a significant impact on the South Asian community, fostering pride and recognition.

These nominations highlight the growing influence of South Asian talent in global music, offering a platform for the rich diversity of the region’s musical traditions.

 For the South Asian diaspora, particularly in countries like the U.S., UK, and Canada, this recognition not only strengthens cultural ties but also serves as a source of inspiration for emerging artists.

Seeing individuals from their community succeed on such a prestigious stage encourages young South Asians to pursue their musical aspirations, knowing that global success is within reach.

Moreover, the recognition of these artists helps bridge cultural gaps by blending Eastern and Western music, fostering cross-cultural appreciation.

This growing visibility in the global music industry paves the way for more opportunities for South Asian musicians, further establishing their place in the international spotlight.