USA (Commonwealth Union)_ As the anticipation builds for the 67th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony, Indian-origin artists are once again making waves, with several standout nominees set to take center stage. Six talented Indian-origin musicians, ranging from seasoned icons to emerging stars, have been recognized by the prestigious Recording Academy for their exceptional contributions to music. Among the Indian nominees for the Grammy Awards 2025 are the renowned environmentalist-composer Ricky Kej, sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar, Radhika Vekaria, Varijashree Venugopal, Noshir Mody, and Chandrika Tandonand who bring diverse cultural influences and fresh sounds to the global music scene.
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Ricky Kej: A Grammy veteran with a green message
Ricky Kej, a Bengaluru-based musician and passionate environmentalist, is not new to the Grammy stage. With three prestigious Grammy feathers on his hat, Kej has earned his fourth nomination for ‘Break of Dawn’ in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category. Kej’s music is known for its profound connection to environmentalism, blending atmospheric sounds with messages of ecological awareness. His work with artists such as Wouter Kellerman (Winds of Samsara) and Stewart Copeland (Divine Tides) took him to global audiences. As an advocate for sustainability, Kej continues to use his platform to raise awareness about the environment, making his work not only artistically significant but socially impactful as well.
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Anoushka Shankar: Carrying forward a musical legacy
Anoushka Shankar, the daughter of legendary sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar, remains one of the most influential figures in global music. Her two Grammy nominations for 2025 are a testament to her continued excellence and innovation in music. Shankar’s album Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn, showcasing her sitar mastery and her exploration of new sonic territories, has earned her a nomination for ‘Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album’. Additionally, Shankar is in the running for ‘Best Global Music Performance’ for her collaboration on “A Rock Somewhere” with British multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier. Throughout her illustrious career, Anoushka Shankar has received over nine Grammy nominations, and in 2006, she became the first Indian artist to perform at the Grammy Awards. Her music reflects her deep roots in Indian classical traditions while embracing a global perspective that transcends cultural boundaries.
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Radhika Vekaria: A new voice in new age music
Another rising star on the Grammy radar is Radhika Vekaria, a British artist of Indian origin, whose album ‘Warriors of Light’ has garnered a nomination for ‘Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album’. Vekaria’s music blends classical Indian influences with modern sounds and features vocals in multiple languages, including Sanskrit, Hindi, Tamil, and English. Her album, which explores themes of spirituality and personal growth, marks her second release after ‘Sapta: The Seven Ways’ in 2020. Vekaria’s unique fusion of traditional and contemporary music has made her one of the most exciting new voices in the genre.
Varijashree Venugopal: A new talent on the global stage
Bengaluru-based vocalist, flautist, and composer Varijashree Venugopal has earned her first-ever Grammy nomination for ‘Best Global Music Performance’ for her collaboration with Anoushka Shankar on “A Rock Somewhere.” Known for her ability to seamlessly blend classical Indian music with contemporary genres, Venugopal is quickly becoming a recognized name in the global music scene. Her involvement in Ricky Kej’s ‘Break of Dawn’ further highlights her versatility and growing influence as an artist.
Noshir Mody: A self-taught guitarist making waves
Noshir Mody, a Mumbai-born guitarist and composer, is also among the Indian-origin nominees for the 2025 Grammys. Mody, who is nominated in the ‘Best Global Music Performance’ category for his work on ‘Kashira’ by Masa Takumi, has built a successful career as a self-taught musician. After moving to the United States at the age of 22, Mody immersed himself in New York City’s vibrant jazz scene, where he honed his craft. His Grammy nomination reflects his dedication to his art and the global appeal of his music.
Chandrika Tandon: A fusion of classical and contemporary sounds
Chandrika Tandon, an entrepreneur and artist, has received a nomination for ‘Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album’ for her album ‘Triveni’. Tandon’s music, which blends classical Indian elements with contemporary influences, has earned critical acclaim. Her album features collaborations with renowned musicians, including flutist Wouter Kellerman and cellist Éru Matsumoto. This marks Tandon’s second Grammy nomination, following her first in 2010. An inspirational figure in both the business and music worlds, Tandon’s achievements highlight the growing prominence of Indian-origin artists in global music.
The Grammy Awards: A celebration of global talent
The 2025 Grammy Awards ceremony will be a momentous occasion for Indian-origin artists, whose music continues to enrich the global soundscape. From Ricky Kej’s environmentally conscious compositions to Anoushka Shankar’s genre-defying sitar performances, these musicians are not only putting India on the map but are also contributing to the vibrant diversity of contemporary music. The recognition of artists like Radhika Vekaria, Varijashree Venugopal, Noshir Mody, and Chandrika Tandon underscores the broad and growing influence of Indian talent in the global music industry. As the Grammy Awards approach, the spotlight on Indian nominees serves as a reminder of the power of music to transcend borders and bring cultures together. Whether through environmental advocacy, classical mastery, or innovative fusion, these artists are leaving an indelible mark on the world stage. The Grammy Awards 2025 promises to be a celebration of artistic excellence, with Indian-origin musicians once again at the forefront of global music.
