Representing India on a global stage, Ricky Kej made everyone proud when he bagged his second Grammy this year. The Bengaluru-based artist picked up the award for his song, “Divine Tides,” back in April 2022. However, it took two months for him to get the medallion back home because of customs and regulations in Bengaluru.
Kej recently had tweeted that his medal from this year’s award was stuck at the customs department in Bengaluru. Soon after his tweet, the issue was resolved with him announcing that his medal would be returned to him soon.
“Good news: Thanks to the quick, swift intervention by the Customs of India, my Medallion has cleared customs and will be delivered tomorrow. Just got a call from FedEx. This would not be possible without the Customs officials going over & above their duty to ensure this is done,” Ricky Kej said in a tweet.
Earlier Kej had tweeted to the Bengaluru customs department and said, “Request urgent help @ChennaiCustoms @mumbaicus1 @CommrBlrCityCus @Customs_India. I recently won a Grammy Award, my medallion is stuck in Customs Bengaluru for over 2 month. @FedEx @FedExHelp @FedExIndia is nonresponsive and not helpful. Could you please help me get my medal?.”
“Would sincerely request everyone not to blame Customs for this. They may not be aware what the product is… or what its purpose is. They are probably following procedure. The motive of this tweet was to let them know of the package, and hopefully they will release it to me,” he had added.
The customs department immediately responded saying, “Namaste, Heartily Congratulations for winning prestigious Grammy Award. Help us by providing tracking No. or any reference.. for early clearance. @FedExIndia .. pl do needful on priority,” the Bengaluru commissioner of city customs said.
Ricky Kej worked on the winning album in collaboration with Stewart Copeland, founder and drummer of the iconic rock band The Police. The duo bagged the Best New Age Album at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards.
(Featured Image Credits: Twitter @rickykej)
