My parents were very unusual. They were pro-women and independence and they wanted me to have my own career. And because of my lineage, every door was opened for me.

In this quote, Anoushka Shankar reflects on the influence her parents had on her upbringing and personal values. She describes them as pro-women and strong advocates for independence, encouraging her to pursue her own career and not rely on traditional gender roles. Her parents' progressive attitude shaped Shankar’s perspective on gender equality, fostering her belief in self-sufficiency and the importance of creating her own path in life.

Shankar also acknowledges that, due to her lineage, the doors to opportunities were often opened for her. Her background, particularly as the daughter of the renowned musician Ravi Shankar, likely provided her with both the exposure and resources to succeed in the music industry. While she recognizes the privilege this gave her, Shankar also highlights the importance of the values instilled by her parents, which empowered her to pursue a career on her own terms, combining both heritage and independence.

The origin of this quote comes from Shankar’s personal reflection on how her upbringing and family shaped her career and worldview. Growing up with such supportive, forward-thinking parents, she was able to merge the opportunities provided by her family background with the empowerment she gained through her parents’ encouragement of independence and personal achievement.

In essence, Shankar’s quote illustrates how her parents’ belief in gender equality, independence, and personal growth gave her the foundation to pursue her career while also benefiting from the opportunities her lineage afforded her. It’s a recognition of how family values and privilege can intersect, creating a unique path to success that combines both opportunity and empowerment.