Pandit Ravi Shankar on Lady Gaga: Very intelligent performer

Indian music maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar has revealed that he has been impressed theatrically by Lady Gaga's music videos and termed her as "a very intelligent performer". The 91-year-old veteran, whose career in music kickstarted in 1930 when he joined his brother Uday's troupe as a dancer, recalled his transformation into a sitar virtuoso and revealed that meeting Allauddin Khan at the early age of 15 was his first breakthrough. Excerpts from the interview: What got you started? Going to Paris with my brother Uday's classical Indian dance troupe in 1930. I started out as a dancer, but gradually became more interested in music. What was your big breakthrough? Meeting [the composer and musician] Allauddin Khan when I was 15. He became my guru; I returned to India to study the sitar with him for seven years. Only then was I ready to become a professional musician. How does the Indian classical music scene compare with the UK's? In the UK, classical music is composed by individuals, and written down. Indian music is based on certain sequences, called ragas. When I perform live, 95 per cent of the music is improvised: it never sounds the same twice. Is there a high cost to fame? Well, I'm 91 now, so if I haven't learnt to live with it, I never will. But some periods have been more difficult than others. When I started working with George Harrison [in 1966], I became like a pop star myself: everywhere I went, I was recognised. I didn't like that at all. What have you sacrificed for your art? I don't think I have sacrificed anything. But I do think that my Indian classical audiences thought I was sacrificing them through working with George. I became known as the "fifth Beatle"; in India they thought I was mad. What is your proudest achievement? Helping Western audiences have a better understanding of Indian classical music. When I first started playing [here], even the critics didn't get it. At one concert in Madison Square Garden, we spent a few minutes tuning up, and then the audience started clapping. I said: "If you liked that, then you'll definitely enjoy the concert." Which other artists do you admire? I saw some music videos by Lady Gaga for the first time recently. I do admire her theatricality. She is a very intelligent performer. What work of art would you like to own? I love the work of Matisse and Picasso, but I don't have enough millions to own one. And I don't really believe in owning art, anyway. What advice would you give a young musician? I wouldn't give them advice; I would learn from them. Is there an art form you don't relate to? I don't appreciate avant-garde, electronic music. It makes me feel quite ill. How would you like to be remembered? For my music, if I am remembered for anything at all. — Guardian News and Media Ltd Did you know? Born: Varanasi, India, 1920. Career: Tours and records his own sitar compositions; has also collaborated with musicians such as George Harrison and Philip Glass. High point: "Having a wonderful family." Low point: "Now. In my mind I am a young man. I have so many musical ideas, but my body is too frail to play them."