Shankar's sitar legacy continues

Shankar was named an honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his efforts to bring Indian music to Western audiences

(CNN) -- Pandit Ravi Shankar is a living legend who has spent a lifetime popularizing one of India's most ancient instruments, the sitar, in the West.

Shankar became a cult figure in the 70's, when the Beatles embraced him and his music.

Today, Ravi Shankar is performing as vigorously as before...the music still appearing to flow from his soul.

But he is 82 years old. What about his legacy?

Enter Anoushka....

A 20 year old who's lived most of her life in the United States, Anoushka is currently one of India's hottest sitar sensations.

CNN NewsPass VIDEO Anoushka Shankar talks with CNN's Satinder Bindra about her own love for the sitar, and building young audiences (May 6) Play video

Not only is she Ravi Shankar's protege, she is also his daughter:

"I have many disciples, very good ones indeed. But Anoushka, being the youngest one and my daughter, and also luckily, she is talented. You know, unbelievably talented," Sitar maestro Ravi Shankar said.

Anoushka's talent and fame are slowly spreading worldwide. Currently, she's on tour in the United States and Europe.

In India, Anoushka acknowledges many Indians come to her performances because she is Shankar's daughter.

Still, she says, people keep coming back to her concerts and continue buying her CD's only because they like her music.

Out of the shadow

Anoushka continues her father's legacy of introducing the sitar to younger Westerners

Anoushka realizes one of the biggest challenges will be to try to step out of her dad's shadow:

"I know that people think that I should constantly be trying to live up to something, or be as good as him. But I am not. I am playing because I am having a ball, because I love to play," Anoushka said.

Anoushka's sights are now set solely on music. She's even given up her university studies on hold so she can complete her dad's unfulfilled dream -- introducing the sitar to younger Westerners.

"The instrument is very difficult, but at the same time very pleasurable to play, especially when you get to the point when you can do it well. It's just amazing," she said.

For all her talent, Anoushka has far to go. As she herself puts it: what she's learning everyday from her father is "Music is endless''