The 2026 Grammy Awards will showcase a diverse array of Indian talent, with several nominations highlighting the fusion of traditional and contemporary music.
The 2026 Grammy Awards are just around the corner, and Indian artists have much to celebrate this weekend, with numerous nominations across both global and local categories. Renowned sitarist Anoushka Shankar and the fusion group Shakti are among the familiar names returning to the spotlight, while raga-jazz musician Charu Suri has made waves with her first nomination in the Best Contemporary Instrumental Album category for her album, Shayan.
This year’s roster of Indian-origin nominees showcases a rich tapestry of musical styles, ranging from classical fusion and spiritual compositions to contemporary jazz. It features a blend of legendary figures, returning winners, and innovative newcomers.
Charu Suri, an Indo-American pianist and composer, is breaking new ground as the first raga-jazz artist nominated in the Best Contemporary Instrumental Album category for her work, Shayan. Known for her distinctive ability to merge traditional Indian raga influences with Western jazz elements, Suri’s nomination marks a significant milestone in her career.
Shayan is a collaborative project that includes contributions from Bengaluru-based flutist Ravichandra Kulur, Melbourne-based vocalist and producer Shriram Iyer—professionally known as Siyer—and Carnatic-jazz musician Ramya Shankar, who plays the ukulele. The album is produced and mixed by Siddhant Bhatia, an India-based composer and vocalist who has also received his first Grammy nomination this year for Best Global Music Album with his project, Sounds of Kumbha.
Commissioned by the Uttar Pradesh government, Sounds of Kumbha captures the spiritual and sonic essence of the Maha Kumbha festival. This ambitious 12-track album features a collaboration of 50 global artists, including Charu Suri, Bay Area-based violin virtuoso Kala Ramnath, Indian-American rapper Raja Kumari, and Bollywood playback singer Kanika Kapoor.
Anoushka Shankar has garnered two nominations this year, bringing her total career nominations to an impressive 13. She is nominated for Best Global Music Album for Chapter III: We Return to Light and Best Global Music Performance for her evocative track, Daybreak.
This year, Shankar is joined by her frequent collaborators, sarod maestro Alam Khan—son of the legendary Ali Akbar Khan—and percussionist Sarathy Korwar, both of whom are receiving their first Grammy nominations for their contributions to both the album and the track Daybreak.
Shankar’s Grammy journey began in 2003 when she became the youngest nominee in the World Music category for her album Live at Carnegie Hall. Many are wondering if this will finally be the year she takes home the coveted golden gramophone.
Following their significant win at the 2024 Grammy Awards, the fusion supergroup Shakti is back with two nominations this year. They are nominated for Best Global Music Album for Mind Explosion (50th Anniversary Tour Live) and Best Global Music Performance for Shrini’s Dream (Live). Co-founded by the late tabla legend Ustad Zakir Hussain and guitarist John McLaughlin, Shakti includes vocalist Shankar Mahadevan, percussionist V. Selvaganesh, and violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan. This nomination follows the group’s 2024 victory for their first studio album in 46 years, This Moment, which earned Ustad Zakir Hussain three Grammys.
The Grammy Awards ceremony is set to take place on Sunday, February 1, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The event will be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and will also be available for streaming on Paramount+.
As the excitement builds for the 2026 Grammy Awards, Indian artists continue to make their mark on the global music scene, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit of their craft.
According to India Currents.