3 days ago
Independence Day 2025: Meet Anoushka Shankar, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, Nikhil Paralikar Blending Classical Roots With Contemporary
Celebrate India's Independence Day with the next generation of classical music stars.
As India marks another year of independence, the day is not just a tribute to the nation's rich history, but also a celebration of the vibrant, evolving culture that continues to shape its identity. Among the most exciting aspects of this cultural evolution is the way a new generation of musicians is reimagining Indian classical music—keeping its roots intact while pushing its boundaries into global soundscapes.
Armed with sitars, tablas, digital production tools, and a fearless spirit, these young artists are breaking down barriers between genres, performing at both intimate classical gatherings and massive international music festivals. Their work reflects the essence of modern India—confident in its heritage, experimental in its methods, and unapologetically global in its reach.
Anoushka Shankar – Sitar Fusion Virtuoso
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A post shared by Anoushka Shankar (@anoushkashankarofficial)
Few names embody the fusion of tradition and innovation as seamlessly as Anoushka Shankar. The daughter of legendary sitar maestro Ravi Shankar, she has carved her own distinctive path, merging the intricate textures of Indian classical sitar with influences from jazz, flamenco, electronica, and contemporary classical music.
Her journey is a testament to the spirit of independence—an artist unafraid to honor tradition while fearlessly venturing into uncharted sonic territory. From the Royal Albert Hall to experimental collaborations with global icons, Shankar's music serves as a bridge between eras, cultures, and audiences. On this Independence Day, she represents the sound of India's artistic future: rooted, fearless, and universally resonant.
Rishab Rikhiram Sharma – The Sitar in New Spaces
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A post shared by Rishab Rikhiram Sharma (@rishabsmusic)
Coming from the legendary Rikhiram family—renowned for crafting instruments for maestros like Ravi Shankar—Rishab Rikhiram Sharma is rewriting the rules of sitar performance. Instead of limiting the instrument to traditional settings, he's taking it to jazz clubs, electronic music festivals, and global stages.
By blending Indian ragas with blues, jazz, and electronic beats, Rishab is making the sitar accessible to younger audiences who may never have experienced its magic in a classical context. His music embodies the very essence of a free India—fearlessly adaptable, culturally rich, and ready to converse with the world in a language everyone can feel.
Nikhil Paralikar – The Tabla Guy
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A post shared by Nikhil Paralikar (@thetablaguyy)
For Nikhil Paralikar, popularly known as The Tabla Guy, independence is about unrestrained expression. Through viral videos, genre-bending collaborations, and his widely acclaimed Collective Series, Nikhil has transformed the ancient percussion art of the tabla into a contemporary cultural phenomenon.
He seamlessly weaves folk rhythms, Hindustani classical beats, and modern genres—from pop to EDM—creating a sound that speaks to the unity in diversity India celebrates every August 15. His collaborations bring together artists from across the country, mirroring the harmony and inclusivity that lie at the heart of India's independence.
The Sound of Tomorrow, Rooted in Yesterday
This Independence Day, these young maestros remind us that cultural freedom is as vital as political freedom. They are proof that India's classical instruments are not relics of the past, but living, breathing voices in the soundtrack of our future. Whether it's Anoushka's global fusion, Rishab's genre-defying sitar sessions, or Nikhil's tabla beats shaking up the internet, the message is clear: India's music is not just surviving—it's thriving on the world stage.
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