Shanno Khurana at 98: A life where music stays the closest companion

Shanno Khurana’s relationship with music has never been framed as a finish line. Even at 98, she returns to the basics—daily riyaz, attentive listening, and the patient repetition that classical training demands. In an age where success is often measured by milestones and headlines, her approach offers a gentler, more enduring idea: music is not an achievement to be displayed, but an endless journey of discovery.

Her routine, built around regular practice, reflects the long view that Indian classical traditions encourage. Riyaz is not merely an exercise in keeping the voice steady; it is also a way of keeping the mind attentive—training oneself to notice small shifts in tone, mood and breath. That steady commitment, sustained across decades, is part of what makes her presence so inspiring.

A disciplined routine, sustained with joy For many performers, the early years are filled with rigorous practice, while later years are reserved for retrospection. Shanno Khurana offers a different picture—one in which learning remains active and the relationship with music stays personal.

Daily riyaz, by its nature, is both demanding and deeply reassuring. It invites a singer to begin again each morning, returning to foundations rather than chasing novelty for its own sake. Khurana’s continuing dedication suggests that creative life can be strengthened by consistency more than by constant reinvention.

There is also something quietly empowering in the way she treats music as a companion rather than a conquest. When the arts are approached as a lifelong conversation, the pressure to “peak” at a particular moment fades. What remains is the steady joy of practice—an attitude that many younger artistes, students and listeners may find encouraging.

Music as an ‘endless journey of discovery’ Khurana’s outlook also captures a central truth of classical music: it can never be fully mastered. Each raga, each phrase, each breath has room for more nuance. Even a familiar bandish can reveal a new emotional colour depending on the time of day, the singer’s state of mind, or the subtle choices made in unfolding a note.

Calling music an “endless journey of discovery” places curiosity at the heart of artistry. It suggests that growth does not stop with experience; rather, experience can sharpen curiosity. At 98, to continue engaging with music in this way is to affirm that learning is not limited by age.

For audiences, too, this perspective is a reminder that the best cultural traditions are living traditions. They are kept alive not only through performances on stage, but through daily discipline—through the quiet hours of practice that rarely make the news.

A hopeful lesson for creators, students and families In a fast-moving entertainment ecosystem, where attention often shifts quickly, Khurana’s steady riyaz stands out for its calmness. Her story speaks to the value of patience—of building a craft over time, and of allowing art to mature at its own pace.

It also offers a broader social message that feels particularly relevant today: active engagement with art can support well-being and purpose through every phase of life. Whether one is a professional musician or a casual learner, the act of returning to practice can create structure, motivation and a sense of meaning.

India’s cultural strength has long rested on gurus, practitioners and dedicated students who keep traditions vibrant. Stories like Khurana’s help renew respect for that ecosystem—where the discipline of riyaz is not seen as a burden, but as a steady source of inner richness.

**Why it matters:** Shanno Khurana’s daily riyaz at 98 is a positive reminder that creativity can remain active lifelong—encouraging young artistes to value consistency, and inspiring families and communities to see the arts as a sustaining companion, not just a stage-bound career.