``He is so hurt and upset he doesn't want to fuel the controversy further,'' she said at a press meet held to celebrate the launch of two audio cassettes of the acclaimed sitarist.

Renowned vocalist Pandit Jasraj recently alleged that the sitar maestro had approached influential MPs to secure the coveted national award which was conferred on him last month. He had said that there were other ``more deserving artistes'' such as the late danseuse Sanjukta Panigrahi who had contributed to putting the Indian performing arts on the international map.The celebrated sitarist himself appeared haggard when he walked in, well over an hour late for the meet. He refused to comment on the controversy, preferring instead to talk about distinguished violinist and his close friend, Yehudi Menuhin, who passed away on Friday.

``Though this is an occasion tocelebrate, I come here with a heavy heart,'' he said.

His wife however was more forthcoming. ``What kind of example are these people setting for the younger generation of artistes?,'' she fumed.``Is this any way to behave? Such petty things...''

Sources close to Pandit Ravi Shankar also said that the double whammy of Jasraj's remarks and Menuhin's death had left the maestro shaken.``He is totally disgusted with Pandit Jasraj,'' an acquaintance said.