Percussionist V Selvaganesh says fusion band Shakti, which last month won the Grammy for its latest album, has inspired many young musicians since its formation in the 1970s. The 57-year-old musician credits founding members of Shakti—guitarist John McLaughlin, percussionists Zakir Hussain and TH “Vikku” Vinayakram, and violinist L Shankar—for starting India`s first fusion band.

“John ji, Zakir bhai, L Shankar ji, and my father (Vinayakram) are the musicians who opened the door for new music, fusion music. Of course, before that Pandit Ravi Shankar ji had collaborated with western musicians, but as a band Shakti is the gate opening for each and every fusion band in India. If you see it from that moment, the youngsters who started a group, this band is the inspiration for them,” Selvaganesh said in an interview.