Indian artists and those of Indian-origin are at the center of the conversation at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, being held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. This year’s ceremony shines a spotlight on a broad range of talent: from legendary classical fusion masters to a new generation of pop and jazz performers.
These nominations show that the Grammys are starting to look at Indian music differently. Instead of just focusing on traditional categories, the awards are recognizing more modern projects and instrumental work. While many of these artists have been nominated before, several are now being noticed for new collaborations that are genre-melding.
Anoushka Shankar
A veteran of the awards, the sitarist has secured her 12th and 13th nominations this year. She is nominated for Best Global Music Album for her EP Chapter III: We Return to Light and Best Global Music Performance for the track Daybreak. These nominations reflect the collaborative spirit she shares with her fellow musicians.
Alam Khan
The sarod maestro and son of the late Ustad Ali Akbar Khan is a primary nominee alongside Anoushka Shankar. His work on Chapter III: We Return to Light and the track Daybreak has earned him spots in the Best Global Music Album and Best Global Music Performance categories. His nomination continues a family legacy of bringing the sarod to the global stage.
Sarathy Korwar
The London-based drummer and producer is also a named nominee for his work on Anoushka Shankar’s project. Korwar’s experimental percussion and production on the album Chapter III: We Return to Light and the song Daybreak are recognized in the Best Global Music Album and Best Global Music Performance categories.
Shakti (The Band)
The legendary fusion group, featuring Shankar Mahadevan, John McLaughlin, Ganesh Rajagopalan, and V. Selvaganesh, has earned two nominations this year. They are up for Best Global Music Album for Mind Explosion (50th Anniversary Tour Live) and Best Global Music Performance for Shrini’s Dream (Live). The band has dedicated these nods to the late Ustad Zakir Hussain.
Siddhant Bhatia
The Delhi-based composer is a first-time nominee this year. His album Sounds of Kumbha is nominated for Best Global Music Album. The project is a blend of traditional chants and contemporary arrangements, featuring field recordings from the 2025 Mahakumbh in Prayagraj.
Charu Suri
The Madurai-born jazz pianist has made history as the first raga-jazz artist nominated in the Best Contemporary Instrumental Album category. She earned this recognition for her album Shayan. Additionally, she is a nominee in the Best Global Music Album category as a producer for Siddhant Bhatia’s Sounds of Kumbha.
Raja Kumari
The Indian-American rapper and singer is also a nominee this year for her contribution to Siddhant Bhatia’s project. She is recognized as a featured artist on the album Sounds of Kumbha, which is competing in the Best Global Music Album category.
Lara Raj (Katseye)
As a member of the global girl group Katseye, Indian-origin singer Lara Raj is part of two major nominations. Her group is nominated for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for their song Gnarly. Lara’s presence in these categories is boundary breaking for Indians in the mainstream pop space.