Film India

"Film India" is a captivating journey through the cinematic scores of the legendary Ravi Shankar, released in 2010. This album is a testament to Shankar's prolific career, featuring music from some of his most iconic film works. With a duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes, it offers a rich tapestry of sounds that showcase Shankar's mastery of Indian classical music and his innovative approach to film scoring.

The album kicks off with tracks from the Apu Trilogy, a series of films directed by Satyajit Ray, for which Shankar composed the unforgettable scores. These tracks, "Pather Panchali," "Aparajito," and "Apur Sansar," are followed by compositions from other notable films like "Parash Pathar" and "Jalsaghar," also known as "The Music Room." Each piece is a standalone masterclass in musical storytelling, reflecting the depth and breadth of Shankar's compositional prowess.

"Film India" also includes tracks from "The River," a film directed by Jean Renoir, showcasing Shankar's ability to blend Indian classical music with Western cinematic traditions. The album's diverse range of tracks, from the haunting "The River Song" to the lively "Fire Dance: Kali Drummers," offers a comprehensive overview of Shankar's film music career.

Ravi Shankar, known for bringing Indian classical music to an international audience, has a catalogue comprising over five hundred compositions. His work spans film and ballet in India, Canada, Europe, and the United States, making "Film India" a valuable addition to any music enthusiast's collection. This album is a celebration of Shankar's legacy, offering a unique opportunity to experience his cinematic scores in one cohesive collection.

Ravi Shankar, born Robindro Shaunkor Chowdhury, was a trailblazing Indian sitarist and composer who captivated global audiences with his mastery of Hindustani classical music. Born in Varanasi in 1920, Shankar's journey began as a dancer touring Europe before he dedicated himself to the sitar, studying under the renowned guru Baba Allaudin Khan. Throughout his career, he became the world's most famous sitar player, earning the title of Pandit and spreading appreciation for Indian classical music worldwide. Shankar's influence extended far beyond his performances; he collaborated with Western musicians, composed for films, and even mentored his daughters, the acclaimed singer Norah Jones and sitarist Anoushka Shankar. His contributions to music were recognized with India's highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, in 1999. Shankar's legacy endures as a testament to his unparalleled artistry and his role in bridging Eastern and Western musical traditions.