Benign Narcissist

Emma Forrest is a novelist, screenwriter and film director, and on 'Benign Narcissist', she examines the streak of narcissism that many creatives wrestle with, and how they attempt to tame it and alchemise it into art. Her interviews dive deep into both vast and nascent careers, encompassing directors, screenwriters, poets, playwrights, choreographers, painters, photographers and architects. In each episode, Emma traces her guest’s work, discussing how the impulse towards self-absorption can be repurposed for the greater good.

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Benign Narcissist

Episode 05 - Anoushka Shankar

March 13, 2021 • Anoushka Shankar • Season 1 • Episode 5

Anoushka Shankar, sitarist and composer, was trained in her art from age seven by her father, Ravi Shankar, eventually traveling the world as part of his ensemble. When she began to explore music on her own, it was via electronica, collaborating with Karsh Kale on the album 'Breathing Underwater'. Over her career she has earned seven Grammy nominations.

Anoushka's record 'Land of Gold' focused her listeners on the plight of refugees, and she remains a committed activist for this cause. She has collaborated with everyone from her late godfather George Harrison to her sister Norah Jones, from MIA to Ibeyi. A mother of two, Anoushka's tenth and most personal album, 'Love Letters', was released last year. Co-produced with Alev Lenz, it is this podcast's favourite 'divorce' album since Paul Simon's 'Graceland'.