Ravi Shankar with his daughter Anoushka; (above) Zubin, the two-month-old grandson of the sitar maestro

Calcutta, April 6: Pandit Ravi Shankar turns 91 tomorrow but he has a two-month-old companion to keep him young.

The little one in question? Zubin Shankar Wright, son of Anoushka Shankar and filmmaker hubby Joe Wright.

“Kichhu din dhorey amar naati Zubin Shankar Wright amar kachhe achhey. Okey niye ekhon boro anandey achhi (For the past few days my grandson is with me. I am very happy to be with him),” the sitar maestro told The Telegraph today from his home at Encinitas in San Diego.

Wife Sukanya underlined the dadu-naati bond. “He’s enjoying with his grandson. We tried to convince him for a birthday party but he said no. He just wants to spend time with little Zubin.”

But what was he feeling on birthday-eve? “Now every day is like a birthday. I will live as many days as I can, drawing upon the love of the people,” said Ravi Shankar.

Choosing to speak in Bengali throughout the conversation, the sitar legend recounted how on his 90th birthday Sukanya had organised “a big party with guests from all over the world”. But this year there were no special plans.

“Joe’s new film Hanna is releasing on the 8th all over New York and Los Angeles so he is very busy but Anoushka will be here tomorrow,” he said.

Some people might still drop in and something special will be cooked for the maestro, added Sukanya. “He likes all kinds of food — fish and chicken but he’s not really a cake eater. So we’ll make some payas for him — Gobindobhog chaaler!”

But the birthday boy seemed to have only baby-sitting on his mind. “Anoushka and I both chose the name Zubin. The Shankar in his name comes from Ravi Shankar and the Wright from Joe,” he explained.

“He’s going to become something one day, you wait and see,” announced the proud grandfather.

So, thanks to the little one, will Ravi Shankar turn 91 years young tomorrow? “He’s bringing out the child in Raviji!” exclaims Sukanya. “I’ve never seen him like this. Every morning, the first thing after waking up he’ll ask, ‘Where’s my prince? When can I hold him?’”

Grandson apart, talk of his next recital gets him going. “Anoushka and I were supposed to do a concert in January, which got cancelled so we will do it now in August or September.”

What about a Calcutta visit, long overdue since December 2007 when he was here with his daughters, Anoushka and Norah Jones.

“We’ll be coming to India in early November. I really wish to come to Calcutta then. I love Calcutta so much… Dekho jodi tomader taan thakey taholey ashbo (Let’s see if your love can draw me there).”