Really upset: Anushka Shankar criticizes Air India for breaking her sitar
Internationally acclaimed musician Anushka Shankar has raised concerns over Air India’s handling of musical instruments and shared her disappointment over the airline’s service after she reported that her sitar was badly damaged after a flight.
International sitar player Anoushka Shankar has recently come out strongly against Air India after her sitar suffered major damage following a flight. The incident occurred when Shankar, who had returned from a trip on Air India after several years, discovered that his equipment had been mistreated during transit. He criticized airlines on social media and shared his experience, sparking an ongoing conversation about airline practices regarding fragile and valuable items such as musical instruments.
The musician detailed his shock upon opening his sitar case and seeing the extent of the damage. According to their description, the device, which has both monetary and sentimental value, was a victim of improper handling. He emphasized that the sitar is not only an instrument for his performance, but also a deeply personal asset, crafted with care and tradition.
In his post, Shankar wrote, “Very disappointed and upset with the way Air India treated my sitar. How could such damage happen without deliberate neglect? This is especially sad as I have flown in Air India after a long time, and it feels like an Indian musical instrument can’t be safe with them – after all thousands of flights on other airlines without a single peg getting damaged.”
Take a look at the post here:
Shankar openly shared his feelings, explaining that he had specifically chosen Air India for this trip in the hope of better care after previous experiences. This situation has drawn renewed attention to the policies and training of airline employees when dealing with non-standard baggage. Many musicians rely on air travel and risk significant setbacks when their equipment is damaged in transit.
While Air India has not issued a detailed public response to the incident, the musician’s experience has contributed to widespread calls for better handling protocols for sensitive cargo. The situation highlights ongoing concerns among artists about the safety of their equipment during air travel. As more actors share similar experiences, there is increasing pressure on airlines to adopt clear guidelines and special training to prevent such incidents in the future.