Shankar died with family at side after US surgery

Legendary Indian sitar player Ravi Shankar died Tuesday with his family at his side, after surgery in California that could have "potentially given him a new lease of life," a statement said.

"It is with heavy hearts we write to inform you that Pandit Ravi Shankar, husband, father, and musical soul, passed away today," said the statement, signed by Sukanya and Anoushka Shankar, his wife and daughter.

"As you all know, his health has been fragile for the past several years and on Thursday he underwent a surgery that could have potentially given him a new lease of life.

"Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the surgeons and doctors taking care of him, his body was not able to withstand the strain of the surgery. We were at his side when he passed away," said the statement.

A spokeswoman for the Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, outside San Diego in southern California, said the family had asked that all enquiries be directed to the 92-year-old's family publicist.

The family statement, issued by publicist Stuart Wolferman, added: "We know that you all feel our loss with us, and we thank you for all of your prayers and good wishes through this difficult time.

"Although it is a time for sorrow and sadness, it is also a time for all of us to give thanks and to be grateful that we were able to have him as a part of our lives.

"His spirit and his legacy will live on forever in our hearts and in his music," it said