Rishab Rikhiram Sharma: The Soul of the Sitar in a Modern World

In a world often caught in the noise of fleeting trends, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma stands out as a quiet force—an artist deeply rooted in tradition yet remarkably relevant to today's global, digital, and emotionally complex audience. The youngest disciple of the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar and heir to the Rikhi Ram legacy of instrument makers, Rishab’s journey with the sitar is one of devotion, healing, and reinvention.

From the very first pluck of his sitar, Rishab’s performances evoke a stillness that transcends time. Whether he is rendering a morning raga at sunrise or performing at global stages like the United Nations "We The Future" summit, there is a consistent thread in his work: music as meditation, as healing, and as resistance to a distracted world.

His initiative, “Sitar for Mental Health,” born out of the emotional isolation of the pandemic, has now evolved into a powerful global movement. Through immersive sitar concerts, sound healing sessions, and workshops, Sharma uses music not just for entertainment, but as therapy. He invites listeners to turn inward, using the vibrations of the sitar to quiet the mind and open the heart.

At a recent performance in New York, Rishab guided the audience through a soulful journey, blending classical Indian ragas with spontaneous improvisation. There were no lyrics, but every note spoke volumes. Audience members described the experience as "transformative" and "deeply personal."

Yet, Rishab is not bound by tradition. His viral renditions of popular themes—like the Game of Thrones score played on sitar—demonstrate his ability to merge genres without compromising integrity. This unique cross-cultural fusion has gained him recognition among younger audiences who might otherwise never engage with classical Indian music.

His music is reflective, almost spiritual, but it’s also political. By bringing Indian classical music into conversations about mental health, cultural identity, and digital mindfulness, Rishab challenges norms. He redefines what a classical musician can be—not just a custodian of tradition, but a catalyst for change.

Beyond the music itself, Rishab’s presence on stage is one of grace and humility. Dressed often in minimal, traditional attire and surrounded by incense and soft lights, he creates a sacred space through sound. It’s more than a performance—it’s a ceremony.

In an age when most performances fight for attention, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma’s sitar asks for something different: presence, patience, and openness. His art encourages us to pause, to listen not just with our ears, but with our whole being.

As he continues to tour globally and expand the “Sitar for Mental Health” project, Rishab represents the new face of Indian classical music—one that is deeply respectful of its roots, yet unafraid to branch out into new directions.