Which Indian musician taught Beatle George Harrison to play the sitar?

The famous sitar melody in the Beatles' song "Norwegian Wood" marked the beginning of a significant musical and cultural crossover. While George Harrison played the instrument on that track, he was not yet a trained musician. His serious study of the complex instrument began after he met its most famous virtuoso, Ravi Shankar, in London in June 1966. Shankar, a master of Indian classical music, was initially surprised by the rock and roll star's interest but agreed to teach him, impressed by Harrison's genuine dedication.

This was the start of a deep, lifelong friendship. Harrison traveled to India for six weeks to study the sitar under Shankar's guidance, even staying on a houseboat in Kashmir to immerse himself in the lessons. Their bond went beyond that of a teacher and student; Shankar would refer to Harrison as being "like my son." For Harrison, the connection was profound, describing Shankar as his "link into the Vedic world." He saw the music as an entry point to the spirituality of Indian culture.

The collaboration had a massive impact on popular music, introducing millions of Western listeners to the sounds of India. Harrison's studies heavily influenced songs like "Within You Without You" from the landmark "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album. Their partnership helped popularize the sitar in the West and sparked the raga-rock genre. Their friendship continued for decades, leading to further collaborations, including the historic Concert for Bangladesh in 1971.