Ravi Shankar was an Indian sitar player and composer recognized for his contributions to Indian classical music. He gained international recognition in the 20th century and played a significant role in introducing Indian music to audiences worldwide. Shankar received several honors during his lifetime, including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1999. He is the father of musicians Norah Jones and Anoushka Shankar, both of whom have pursued successful careers in music.