Anoushka Shankar's next album focuses on refugee crisis

Sitarist Anoushka Shankar is currently working on her ninth album "Land of Gold", which talks about the ongoing refugee crisis in the world.
The 34-year-old sitarist, who is on a month long tour in India, said through the record she aims to bring peace in the society.
"My current album, which I am working on now, is very focused on the refugee crisis. That is something which has been influencing me a lot... It's important to remember that what happened in Paris is a tragedy, Syria is also a tragedy. There are so many tragedies all over," Anoushka told PTI.

Unlike her classical base of her latest album "Home", which has earned the musician her fifth Grammy nomination, her upcoming project will be a crossover.
"'Land of Gold' means everyone is searching their land of gold that means a place for safety and security for children. It won't be based on classical music."
Anoushka, who is back in India after a gap of two years, is amazed to see that people here are more vocal in voicing their concerns.

"It's great that people are debating. It's fantastic. If people don't speak up then it becomes a little dangerous. I think people should protest and argue when they don't like something... If they are arguing that's a big point in democracy," she said.

The sitarist, who performed in the Capital last night as part of her four-city tour,
"Home" pays tribute to her father Ravi Shankar and Anoushka said revisiting the times spent with the legendary sitarist has been nostalgic.
"It was nostalgic and very fresh too. There is something magical about our music, which is ancient and at the same time improvised. You have to go really deep within yourself to play.
"It's not like just sitting and connecting with the past. So, it felt very bitter and sweet. It really felt amazing that I felt connected with my father through music."

Believes transforming phase of Indian classical music has enabled its longevity.
"Indian classical music has amazing musicians. Classical music always has audience but it has been niche. But that doesn't worry me. It is developing and changing the way it has been performed and that makes our music last," she said.