Rishabh Rikhiram Sharma: Indian music is not just healing; it's cool, stylish, and full of swag!

Time of India

3 hours ago

Rishabh Rikhiram Sharma, a sitarist and instrument maker, carries forward his family's musical legacy while innovating with contemporary sounds. He emphasizes the timelessness and global appeal of Indian classical music, highlighting its ability to unite diverse audiences.
Today, on World Music Day, we turn the spotlight on a sitarist, instrument maker and someone touted to be a torchbearer of a legendary musical legacy – Rishabh Rikhiram Sharma.
The youngest and the last disciple of the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar and son of luthier Sanjay Sharma, Rishabh has carved a niche for himself in the global music scene by blending tradition with innovation.
In a candid interview with us, the artiste reflects on the timeless power of Indian classical music, the responsibility of heritage, and why he believes music is one of the few forces that can truly unite the world.
You've been carrying forward the Rikhiram legacy in traditional Indian music – the instrument maker's son, Rishabh. How has your family's heritage shaped your own musical journey?
Being born to Sanjay Rikhiram Sharma, I had the privilege of growing up around the finest instruments in the world, many of them replicas made for my Guruji, Pandit Ravi Shankar.
But for the longest time, people only saw me as the instrument maker's son, not as a performer. It's been incredibly fulfilling to finally carve a path of my own, where my passion and purpose are seen and celebrated.
From traditional sitar playing to experimenting with contemporary forms, how do you find balance between preserving classical roots and evolving with modern sensibilities?
I always say: tradition should be the centrepiece, not the background.
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Just like in a museum, the artwork is the focus, you design everything else around it to enhance it. That's how I approach fusion. The sitar stays at the heart, and modern sounds or production techniques simply decorate the space around it. That balance is what keeps the music alive and relatable.
What role do you think traditional Indian music plays on the global stage today, especially among younger audiences?
Our music is timeless. On my last India tour, I saw children as young as 8 and elders over 80 vibing together with the same energy, that's the power of traditional Indian music. It's not just healing; it's cool, it's stylish, it's full of swag. I think the world was just waiting for someone to say it out loud, and maybe I'm that someone!
You've performed both in India and internationally. How do audiences differ in their response to traditional Indian music across the world?
Audiences everywhere are receptive, as long as the music is shared with intention.
In India, there's a deep understanding of raga and taal, while international audiences are curious, open, and eager to learn. That's why education and storytelling are such an integral part of my performances. We're planning to expand globally this year to build deeper cultural bridges through Sitar for Mental Health.
In an age of digital streaming and short-form content, how can we sustain interest in long-format classical performances?
If people begin practicing meditation daily, they'll naturally be drawn to long-format traditional Indian music, it's meditation through sound.
The deeper you go, the more rewarding it becomes. We just have to make that entry point inviting.
You've also been involved in crafting and restoring instruments. How does that craft influence your understanding and performance of music?
Learning the art of making and maintaining instruments from my father has been a huge blessing. It's allowed me to innovate and experiment with sound while being self-sufficient on tour.
I studied both the art of playing and the science of construction. Few musicians in the world understand the sitar inside and out the way I do, and that's something I'm deeply proud of. I hope to one day hold workshops globally, teaching others how to care for and preserve our instruments.
Which collaboration or performance stands out as particularly transformative in your musical career?
Performing at the White House for Diwali in 2023 was life changing.
To have your music and mission recognized at that level, especially for a cause like mental health, was incredibly validating. It reminded me that this path I've chosen is bigger than just performance; it's about impact.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians trying to find their voice in a world of rapidly changing musical tastes?
Be yourself, loudly and unapologetically. Even when I do covers, I do them my way.
Authenticity is your greatest strength. In a world full of trends, being true to your sound is what makes you timeless.
World Music Day celebrates the universal language of music. What does this day mean to you personally and as a musician?
To me, World Music Day is a celebration of every genre, every sound, and every culture that has left an imprint on our lives. It's a day to honor the global influences that shape our musical journeys, and to reflect on the fact that music—no matter where it comes from—has the power to connect us all.
On this World Music Day, what message would you like to share with music lovers across the globe?
Music is a language beyond words, beyond borders. In a world that often feels divided, music is what brings us together. I can't wait to bring this tour to audiences worldwide, and celebrate the divine gift that music truly is.