Latest news with #RishabRikhiramSharma
News18
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News18
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 View this post on Instagram 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 View this post on Instagram 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 View this post on Instagram 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. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Sitar For Mental Health Tour: Rishab Rikhiram Sharma Unveils International Tour Dates
Last Updated: In 2022, he became the first sitarist invited to perform solo at the White House for the Diwali event. Sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma has announced the European and North American leg of his acclaimed 'Sitar for Mental Health" tour. The tour will kick start in New York on September 14 and conclude in Toronto on November 12. The show will launch at the prestigious NMACC India Weekend, part of a three-day cultural extravaganza featuring artists like Bollywood legends Shankar Mahadevan and Shreya Ghoshal. Following that, the tour will take place in Amsterdam on October 5 at the iconic Concertgebouw. On October 7, the show will be held in Paris at the Alhambra Theatre, with the final performance taking place at Meridian Hall in Toronto on November 12. Rishab is the youngest and last disciple of Maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar. He started 'Sitar for Mental Health" as an initiative to mental health recovery through the sounds of the sitar to help people heal. This idea came to him during the COVID-19 pandemic when Rishab was going through anxiety himself. He was born into a family that has a long and rich history with music. His father owns Rikhi Ram Musical Co., a famous shop in Delhi that sells musical instruments. The shop was started by his grandfather, Rikhi Ram Sharma. He told Telegraph India that he picked up the sitar while he was studying Music Production and Economics at City University of New York, Queens College Campus. 'A friend of mine installed FL Studio, and we cracked it on my laptop, and that's how I started making my beats. I wasn't mixing them—sitar and electronic production, but when I went to college, I collaborated with different hip-hop artists and rappers, and they really liked Indian music." Since the foundation of his initiative in 2020, he has performed in various countries, including the US, Canada, and South America. In 2022, he became the first sitarist invited to perform solo at the White House for the Diwali event hosted by President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and VP Kamala Harris. First Published: July 17, 2025, 17:32 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Sitar Maestro Rishab Sharma Launches New Track Celebrating Spirit Of Varanasi
Last Updated: Rishab Rikhiram Sharma released his latest instrumental track, The Burning Ghat, which has a genre-defying approach to music. Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, who is constantly captivating audiences worldwide with his soulful music, recently unveiled his latest instrumental track, The Burning Ghat. The sitarist, known for his viral renditions of Game of Thrones and Harry Potter themes to reimaginations of Bollywood melodies like Zara Zara, continues to inspire individuals with his neo-classical music. Additionally, the composer also champions mental health awareness through his genre-defying approach to music, pushing creative boundaries through a contemporary lens. On Instagram, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma shared a video to launch his latest instrumental track, The Burning Ghat, which is an ode to the spiritual banks of Varanasi and the eternal flame of Manikarnika Ghat. The evocative soundscape in the track blends traditional Indian instruments with electronic synths. The composition is inspired by his journey to Burning Man in the US, a week-long large-scale desert event focused on 'community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance". The video's shot was captured at the holy sites of India by cinematographer, Vishal Anand, whereas the clip was beautifully edited by Pralay Valanju." Alongside the video, he penned a heartfelt note revealing his deep, personal connection with the track. 'From Burning Man to The Burning Ghat. Channelling my journey through sound waves — from the cathartic flames of Burning Man to the sacred ghats of Varanasi. 'The Burning Ghat' is my heartfelt tribute to the eternal fire of Manikarnika Ghat, where life ends and Moksh begins," read an excerpt from his caption. He continued, 'I believe this sound is the true sound of New India — where tradition meets technology. Honing the teachings of my Guru, Ravi Shankar, and transforming them into music using today's tools was an out-of-body experience. This is my most personal, and perhaps my best work yet." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rishab Rikhiram Sharma (@rishabsmusic) The video instantly garnered immense praise from many A-listers and his fans around the world. One of his ardent admirers mentioned, 'This isn't just music; it's ritual, fire, and philosophy distilled into sound. 'The Burning Ghat' bridges myth, memory, and modernity. Rishab, you've carved something timeless here." Another person wrote, 'The way you feel when you hear him, it's something so pure!" Someone said, 'The music is so lit even Shiva would listen to it." Tamannaah Bhatia shared the video on her Instagram stories and dropped a series of smiling faces with Halo emojis, conveying a sense of feeling blessed with his soulful music. Shikhar Pahariya wrote, 'Too good bhai," followed by a red heart emoji. Check out the full video here – A New York-based sitarist, composer, and mental health advocate, Rishab was born into the renowned Rikhi Ram family. His journey began at the age of 10, under the guidance of his father, Sanjay Rikhi Ram Sharma, a master luthier by profession. Afterwards, he went on to become the last disciple of the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar and dedicated himself to blending Indian classical music with modern twists. His latest track, The Burning Ghat, was unveiled five months after the thunderous Tandavam. He is also known for his emotional and original compositions, such as Chanakya, Shankara and many others. First Published:
India.com
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Rishab Rikhiram Sharma Unveils The Burning Ghat, A Soulful Sitar Tribute To Varanasi's Eternal Flame
New Delhi: Renowned sitarist, composer, and performer Rishab Rikhiram Sharma has released his latest instrumental masterpiece titled The Burning Ghat, now available on all major streaming platforms, along with an evocative music video shot on location at the holy Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi. More than a musical release, the piece is a deeply spiritual tribute to one of India's most sacred cremation sites, a place where tradition, fire, and faith converge. Known for his emotionally resonant compositions that fuse traditional Indian classical music with modern textures, Rishab calls this latest work "a sincere tribute to the purest fire that burnt at Manikarnika Ghat known to mankind to attain salvation." 'I want to make music that speaks across generations, something that heals, brings peace, and sparks pure joy," Rishab said, reflecting on the intention behind the track. "The Burning Ghat isn't just a song, it's a reflection of inner transformation, a sonic homage to death as a passage to eternity.' From viral reinterpretations of Game of Thrones and Zara Zara to original compositions like Chanakya and Tandavam, Rishab has emerged as a trailblazer in India's neo-classical movement. The Burning Ghat arrives shortly after his acclaimed Sitar for Mental Health India Tour, using music as a bridge for emotional healing. With each release, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma continues to shape what many are calling the Sound of New India — a sound rooted in heritage, yet boldly reimagined for global audiences. His music resonates with both young listeners seeking authenticity and older generations who find comfort in tradition. 'Shot on the ghats of Varanasi, this song reflects a New India, where ancient wisdom meets modern expression,' he said. "I believe our roots don't limit us; they give us wings to explore farther." The Burning Ghat is more than a musical performance, it's a meditative experience, a call to reflection, and a tribute to the eternal. As Rishab continues to push the boundaries of Indian classical music, he does so with an unwavering sense of purpose: to create music that heals, elevates, and endures.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The rise of soulful concerts
They sell out arenas, auditoriums and also go on multi-city tours, but its the concert experience they offer that separates them from the mainstream performers like Guns N' Roses, Travis Scott, Bryan Adams. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Attendees not only dance at these gigs but sway to the rhythm. They focus on something more inward – a shared experience of inner peace, reflection and meditation – a soulful concert. India's live entertainment scene is evolving, making room for more than just a spectacle. When artistes like Rishab Rikhiram Sharma and Jahnavi Harrison perform, they offer a different kind of concert experience – one that transcends genre and creates a soulful, immersive environment. These are concerts not just for the audience, but with them. It's less about stimulation, more about satiation of the soul. 'This is a mix of spirituality, culture, and entertainment,' explains Deepak Choudhary of Eva Live. 'The vibe is defined by the music, but it's the shared emotional space that sets it apart.' Jahnavi Harrison recently performed in Delhi and Chandigarh 'New-age artistes are democratising the genre' This inclination towards culturally rooted music is not a nascent phenomenon. India's love for classical and fusion music dates back to several decades, courtesy communities such as SPIC MACAY, adds a District Spokesperson, adding, 'These communities have done a great job popularising this genre across generations. Building on this, today, new-age artistes such as Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, Anoushka Shankar and Jahnavi Harrison are further democratising this genre, making it more accessible and engaging for a larger, younger audience. Interestingly, the audience drawn to these concerts represent more than just dedicated fans. The attendees, increasingly seeking authentic connections to their cultural heritage, find a powerful and resonant thread in this music, offering both artistic fulfillment and a deeper sense of belonging.' Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Rishab Rikhiram Sharma conducted a ten-city India tour titled Sitar for Mental Health 'Such concerts aim for emotional and spiritual connection With instruments like the dhol, sitar, and harmonium, these events are rooted in Indian classical and devotional traditions, yet carry a contemporary freshness. The artistes may vary in genre and style, but the common thread is great content, curated with intention and depth. 'It's about the vibe – different artistes bring different flavours, but the purpose remains shared experience,' shares Deepak. Explaining the category of these concerts, Mohit Bijlani from Team Innovation, shares, 'It is a form of sonicmeditation. The atmosphere at these concerts is distinct, characterised by energy that encourages both vulnerability and introspection. It transcends a mere performance; it's a collective gathering centered on shared presence and profound spiritual exploration.' The focus is beyond just performance. 'These concerts are curated keeping in consideration the subtle feelings, emotional or spiritual connection and fostering a strong sense of community among the attendees. The venue and its setup contribute significantly to this unique and often more intimate atmosphere,' points out the District Spokesperson. Acyuta Gopi, who is also going on tour in India, shares that 'This is a new genre of immersive entertainment with spirituality at its core' 'Substantial portion of attendees fall within the 25-40 age bracket, contrasting the previously dominant 50+ demographic' Interestingly, the demographic is shifting for these gigs drawing in the 25–40 age group, who are driven by FOMO and the search for something meaningful. 'These gigs tap into the deep-seated human desire for meaning, community, and transformative experience, with contemporary artistic expression. Interestingly, we've observed a significant demographic shift, with a substantial portion of attendees falling within the 25-40 age bracket, contrasting the previously dominant 50+ demographic for events of this nature,' points out Mohit Bijlani. Radhika Das is set to go on a nine city tour in India in November this year ' Soulful concerts are demonstrably gaining momentum, rivalling mainstream genres' The movement is no longer niche. These concerts are filling stadiums, selling out in hours, and becoming just as popular as mainstream music events. 'They will become bigger in the coming time,' says Deepak. 'These concerts are demonstrably gaining momentum, as an increasing number of individuals recognise their capacity to heal and inspire. They signify a cultural evolution towards prioritising experiences that genuinely nourish the human spirit, rather than merely stimulating the senses. Indeed, these concerts are now filling stadiums and rivaling mainstream genres in popularity. We've experienced sold-out shows within hours of announcement, and consistently fill arenas – exceeding 10,000 attendees,' adds Mohit.
