Grammy-nominated Anoushka Shankar gives hope after her sitar was broken in transit. Air India apologizes and offers restitution for repairs.

Hours after the story went viral, Grammy-nominated sitarist Anoushka Shankar, who recently disclosed that her beloved sitar was broken aboard an Air India flight, has now offered a positive update. A new video released on Thursday gives hope that her instrument might be rescued, despite the musician’s earlier statement that she was “devastated and truly disturbed” by the airline’s mismanagement.

Anoushka Shares Repair Update: “It MAY Be Saved”

Anoushka shared a video of her sitar being meticulously restored on Instagram. She conveyed tempered confidence regarding the instrument’s recovery in her caption and thanked everyone for their incredible support.

“First of all, I want to thank everyone for their support and condolences after my sitar was damaged on a flight this week,” she wrote. I have a fantastic update: it might be salvageable! As the incredibly talented Ajay Rikhiram @rikhiramoriginals works to fix my priceless instrument, I’m holding my breath in the hopes that it may be revived in time for my next India Chapters tour.”

Air India Issues an Apology and Offers Restitution

Anoushka disclosed in the same article that the airline had gotten in touch with her in response to the public outcry.

After conducting a thorough inquiry into how this occurred, she stated, “Thanks to all of your comments and shares, @airindia has reached out with apologies, an offer to compensate for the repairs, and promises of a policy change.”

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The sitarist emphasized that she hoped the airline would take action to guarantee safer handling of instruments and delicate cargo for all passengers, not only in her instance.

“I hope that this can signal a shift in the way that musical instruments and all other valuable items are treated – providing them with the attention they need,” she continued.

Voices in the Industry Support Anoushka

Concern from other musicians erupted after she posted about the shattered sitar earlier. “God,” said Vishal Dadlani, “that’s heartbreaking! Comedian Zakir Khan wrote, “This is really heartbreaking!” and, “I’m so sorry!” “Genuine care feels so rare these days… it’s as if the very act of caring has faded from our lives,” singer Papon continued. This is really devastating.

Anoushka Shankar’s career is at its peak; her most recent effort, Chapter III: We Return to Light, which she co-wrote with Alam Khan and Sarathy Korwar, has received numerous Grammy nominations, including Best Global Music Album, ahead of the 2026 ceremony scheduled for February 1 in Los Angeles.