A natural-born musician, who grew up in a family of musical instrument makers, 25-year-old Rishab Rikhiram Sharma is a sitar player and music composer, and someone whose sitar videos you are sure to have come across on your Instagram feed. Born into the Rikhi Ram family of luthiers, Rishab’s childhood was a musical one. The Rikhi Ram Musical Co is a legacy shop, founded by the late Rikhi Ram Sharma in Delhi, which has enjoyed the patronage of musical greats in India and abroad.
Early Life Journey
Having been born into the world-renowned, Rikhi Ram family of luthiers from Delhi, Rishab was first introduced to the Sitar at the tender age of ten. His own father, master luthier, Sanjay Sharma (Rikhi Ram), became his first Guru, and after a few years of unwavering dedication and commitment, Rishab was introduced, for the first time on stage, in 2011. It was on this occasion that his performance caught the attention of Sitar Maestro, Pt. Ravi Shankar, who took young Rishab on as his youngest and last disciple. Under his tutelage, Rishab was able to hone his natural talent with the utmost commitment and perseverance.
Rishab, an alumnus of Delhi Public School R. K. Puram, embarked on a transformative journey to New York City at 17, where he pursued a dual degree in Music Production and Economics at City University New York, Queens College Campus. A master at blending modern music nuances with his classical foundation, Rishab has crafted a strong US network and garnered a substantial online following through platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Clubhouse. Beyond music, he’s a driving force for global mental health awareness, fostering a community of musicians dedicated to both artistic innovation and mental well-being.
Being a luthier
Given that his father’s clientele was primarily in the US and Canada, to expand their musical instrument business, they decided to set up a shop in New York under the name as his father, Sanjay Rikhiram Sharma. They also established a school there. As Rishab pursued his college education at Queens College, City University of New York, majoring in production and economics, he also immersed himself in the diverse musical landscape of New York City. “This exposure enriched my musical experiences and provided me with opportunities to record various musical genres, from wind quartets to Jewish bands, and to work as a studio engineer and teaching assistant under my professor.”
Rishab agrees that having expertise in both music and luthiery can indeed provide a unique advantage in mastering an instrument. “Understanding the intricacies of how an instrument is crafted and how its components interact can deepen one’s comprehension of its capabilities and limitations. This knowledge can directly translate into producing the best possible sound for various musical applications,” he says.
Magic of Mehendi
The audience at his concerts cannot miss the beautiful and intricate pattern of mehendi adorning his hands. It adds beauty to the show while also challenging gender norms. “My mehendi application is inspired by Mughal paintings. I usually apply two days before my performance. In mehendi, I found a middle ground between cultural expression and the permanence of tattoos. It allows me to explore different designs for various occasions without the long-term commitment associated with tattoos. I design my kurtas, again, with a desire to break the monotonous dressing by the classical musicians,” he laughs.
Recalling his association with Ravi Shankar, who was close to his family, Rishab says, “I began learning from him at the age of 11 and spent two intensive years under his tutelage. Guruji, as we affectionately called him, had a unique routine of dividing his time between the US and India, spending six months in each place. Whenever he was in town, it felt like a festival every day, with people bringing sweets and gifts to honour him. Despite his immense musical stature, Guruji had a warm and humorous personality. He would create fun moments amidst the seriousness of our musical pursuits.”
As for the rest of his tour, Rishab says, “Rest assured, it will be an intriguing and memorable event. We’re finalising the details before announcing the tickets, but I promise it will be a beautiful experience for all involved.” The tour is open to the public, with tickets available through Zomato Live. The logistics include various shows, ranging from intimate gatherings with around 150 people to larger events accommodating up to 1800 attendees. Ticket prices are kept affordable, with options starting as low as ₹300.
Achievement
Apart from his musical achievements, Rishab is also a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and has been open about his struggles with anxiety and depression. He believes that music has the power to heal and has used his platform to raise awareness and funds for mental health organizations. In 2020 he founded ‘Sitar For Mental Health’, which aims to promote mental wellness through music therapy. Rishab offers costless music therapy to online audiences and collaborates with mental health experts to develop a comprehensive method for mental wellness.
- Rishab Sharma is the first Sitarist to be invited to perform solo at the White House by United States President Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and VP Kamala Harris for the Diwali event hosted by the President.
- Rishab stands as the only Sitarist of his generation to have performed solo, in front of a live audience of 60,000+ people at the NGR Stadium in Houston Texas, and 500+ million at-home live viewers.
- Rishab has taken the “Sitar For Mental Health” tour worldwide in the last year covering multiple shows in India, the USA, Canada, and South America.
- Rishab goes live weekly on Instagram and Clubhouse, entertaining audiences with reels that often reach millions of views.
- Rishab has performed at the Woodstock 50 Reunion (50 years of Woodstock Festival), paying tribute to the performance of the great Pandit Ravi Shankar.
