Anoushka Shankar Says Sitar Damaged on Air India Flight; Airline Initiates Probe
Renowned sitarist Anoushka Shankar has expressed anger and disappointment after discovering significant damage to her sitar following an Air India flight. The Grammy-nominated musician took to Instagram on Wednesday, sharing a video that showed a deep crack on the lower rounded end of the instrument.

In the video, a visibly upset Shankar explained that she initially noticed her sitar was unusually out of tune. Upon examining it closely, she found the damage—something she says has never happened in her 15 to 17 years of flying with her instruments.

“This was my first time flying Air India after a long time… You’re the country this music belongs to and this is the first time anything like this has happened to my instrument,” she said. “I have special cases. You guys charge a handling fee and yet you’ve done this.”

Calling herself “devastated and truly disturbed,” Shankar questioned how such mishandling could occur, especially on the national carrier.

Air India responded on social media, stating that it has taken note of the incident and is investigating the matter. The airline added that its team would reach out to her for assistance.

The incident has sparked discussion among musicians and frequent flyers about the handling of fragile and culturally significant instruments during air travel.