Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Dec 4: Renowned sitarist Anoushka Shankar, daughter of legendary musician Pandit Ravi Shankar, has criticised Air India for allegedly damaging her beloved instrument during a recent flight, expressing her “devastation” in a video shared on Instagram.

The musician revealed deep cracks on her sitar — an instrument she has carried safely across the world for more than 15 years — and questioned how such damage could occur despite using specialised protective cases and paying additional handling charges.

“This was my first time flying Air India in a long time. You’re the country this music belongs to,” she said in the emotional video. “This is the first time anything like this has happened to my instrument in 15 or 17 years.”

Shankar said she initially believed the sitar was merely out of tune — only to later discover shocking cracks that suggest severe mishandling. “How have you done this? I have special cases… and yet you’ve done this?” she asked, visibly distressed.

In a strongly worded caption, she further wrote, “It feels especially sad given that I’ve flown Air India after a long time, and it seems an Indian instrument can’t be safe with them.”

The post quickly garnered attention from fans, artists and celebrities — many urging the airline to take responsibility.

Comedian Zakir Khan reacted, “This is extremely heartbreaking.”

Music composer Vishal Dadlani wrote, “God, that’s heartbreaking! I’m so sorry.”

Musician Anvita Shankar questioned how such damage was possible “inside those secure hard cases.”

As reactions continue to pour in, Air India is yet to issue a public response, while the incident has sparked wider conversations about the handling of sensitive instruments by airlines — especially those representing India’s rich cultural heritage.