Anoushka connects with her Malayali roots

While the month-long tour of India would have been hectic for sitarist Anoushka Shankar, it did not show on her face as she enjoyed a Zen-like session on the serene sandy beaches of Kovalam. Accompanied by her five-year-old son, Zubin Shankar Wright and her mother Sukanya, she made the most out of the well-earned break just before concluding her tour programme with the Nishagandhi Festival on Wednesday.
For Anoushka, whose grandmother is a Malayali, the afternoon provided an opportunity to get in touch with her roots again. Her son Zubin, who is on his maiden visit to the State, got a chance to experience the State���s culture. Clad in a green tunic and sporting sunglasses, she looked radiant and relaxed.
Anoushka was eager to showcase Kerala���s culture to her son and had told us earlier that she was looking forward to visiting Kovalam with Zubin. ���We have decided to take some time off as I want my son to enjoy Kerala���s culture and cuisine. I am glad to spend some family time here,��� she said.
After relishing a sumptuous Kerala sadya served in the traditional style on a plantain leaf, she enjoyed a Mohiniyattam performance on the beach. The brisk adavus of Kalaripayattu kept her engrossed. A troupe of Thayambaka performers fascinated the artiste in her. Tapping her fingers to the different thalas, we spotted her swaying to the rhythm of chenda. Though she hesitated to try a hand at the instrument, she enthusiastically chatted up with the artistes for a while.
However, her most-cherished moments came towards the end of the day, as she took a stroll on the sandy beaches along with her son. She enjoyed the picture-perfect sunset and the cool breeze, before leaving for rehearsals with her 14-member team.