Krishna Das Tours India; Virat, Anushka Sway To His Devotional Strains

MUMBAI – Actor Anushka Sharma and cricketer Virat Kohli were among those attending a live kirtan by American singer Krishna Das here October 25, with videos of the couple listening to the devotional music circulating on social media.

The videos show Sharma and Kohli sitting next to each other, gently swaying to the music. The couple briefly glances toward the camera before turning back to the performance.

The event was part of Krishna Das’s India tour. Known for bringing traditional Indian devotional chants to audiences around the world, the American singer has built an international following with music that blends chanting with Western musical influences.

Born Jeff Kagel in Long Island, Krishna Das was a young musician drawn to Eastern spirituality in the late 1960s. His journey to India began after he learned through spiritual teacher Ram Dass about Neem Karoli Baba.

In 1970, Kagel traveled to India and made his way to Kainchi Dham. There, he met the guru who would profoundly shape his spiritual life and received the name Krishna Das. He remained in India for a couple of years, immersing himself in the daily life of the ashram.

Krishna Das has often recalled a question Maharaj-ji asked him during their final moments together in person: “So, how will you serve me in America?”

He described feeling as though he were moving in a dream as he crossed the courtyard and bowed to the guru one last time from a distance. As he did, the answer came to him: “I will sing to you in America.”

That promise became the foundation of his musical and spiritual journey. Through concerts and kirtans, Krishna Das has continued to share devotional chants inspired by his time with Maharaj-ji, introducing audiences across the world to a form of spiritual music rooted in India’s bhakti tradition. (with IANS)