Sanskar Sessions: Shannon K. on Finding Her Voice, Fighting Bullying, and Forging Her Own Path
The music started early in Shannon K.’s life, but it didn’t come with instructions. As the daughter of legendary playback singer Kumar Sanu, her world echoed with melodies, but also expectations. “Growing up with my dad meant I was always around music,” she says. “But what stayed with me more than the melodies was his work ethic. I saw him in studio sessions, constantly practicing and giving his all. It taught me that talent alone isn’t enough. You need discipline. You need to show up every day.”
That early exposure gave her a foundation, but not a shortcut. When Shannon began her journey as a singer and performer in the U.S. and U.K., she quickly realized that carving her own path wouldn’t be easy, especially as a South Asian girl in the Western pop space. At just 16, her dream collided with a harsh reality. “People told me I didn’t look like a pop artist,” she recalls. “I was bullied because I looked different. And that hurt.”
The pain turned into purpose. Alongside her sister Annabelle, Shannon channeled that experience into the powerful anti-bullying anthem “Give Me Your Hand.” The song quickly resonated with fans worldwide, many of whom had faced similar discrimination. “We wrote it out of real emotion. There were moments where we’d just sit in silence, both of us feeling the weight of it,” she says. “We wanted to create something that said, ‘You’re not alone.’ And if even one person felt seen because of it, that was enough.”
That kind of honesty has become a signature in Shannon’s music. While her debut single ““A Long Time,”” produced by Grammy winner Poo Bear, racked up millions of views and opened doors across the industry, it’s her willingness to tell the truth, that sets her apart. Whether she’s opening up about identity, vulnerability, or mental health, Shannon brings something rare to the table: the courage to be real.
Her years studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London helped shape her sound and sharpen her skills. “It forced me to unlearn and relearn. I had to think more about arrangement, storytelling, structure—not just how something felt emotionally, but how it was built.” That technical training now fuels her process as a songwriter, layering feeling with form.
But Shannon’s creative reach doesn’t stop with music. In 2020, she made her acting debut in The Big Feed opposite Manolo Vergara. “It was a totally different challenge,” she says. “With songwriting, I express myself. With acting, I had to step into someone else’s life and feel what they felt. It was scary, but I loved it.”
Her transition to film hit a major milestone in 2023 when she appeared at the Cannes Film Festival. “Walking the red carpet right before Harrison Ford? I still can’t believe it. Then, watching Indiana Jones at Cannes… it was surreal. Total goosebumps.” The moment, she says, reminded her that her story—once doubted, once bullied—deserved a place on the world stage.
Despite the glamorous moments, including her recent appearance at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Shannon remains grounded in her mission. She uses her platform to advocate for bullying awareness, mental health, and community. “If you’ve got a voice, use it to lift someone up. That’s what I try to do—whether it’s through a song, a post, or just being honest about what I’ve been through.”
Now in her early twenties, Shannon has grown into an artist with depth and vision. And she’s clear-eyed about what it takes to stay grounded in an industry that often rewards conformity over authenticity. “This business will try to define you before you even know who you are,” she says. “But real art doesn’t come from fitting into someone else’s idea of success. It comes from knowing yourself.”
When asked what advice she’d give to other young South Asian artists starting out, her answer comes without hesitation. “Be patient. You’ll face rejection. I still do. But every ‘no’ can lead to the right ‘yes.’ Surround yourself with people who believe in your voice—and never forget why you started. You were made for a reason. To shine.”
For Shannon K., shining isn’t just about spotlights or streams. It’s about storytelling, honesty, and resilience. And in a world still learning how to embrace difference, her light feels like exactly what we need.
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