Latest news with #SitarforMentalHealth
Hans India
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Rishab Rikhiram Sharma Strikes a Chord for Mental Health with Soulful Sitar Concert in Hyderabad
It was an evening of melody, mindfulness, and emotional connection as renowned sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma brought his 'Sitar for Mental Health' Neo-Concert to Hyderabad on May 4- that too in a sold out show. Blending the richness of Indian classical music with global tunes, Sharma delivered a performance that left the audience not just entertained, but deeply moved. Despite a few hiccups behind the scenes, owing to a last-minute venue change and some managerial lag, Rishab took the stage with grace and composure. And from the very first note, he ensured that the music took center stage. What could have been a logistical misfire turned into an unforgettable night, thanks entirely to his magnetic affair with the sitar. Held at a packed venue, the concert opened with traditional ragas like Dhrupad and Desh, immersing listeners in the meditative beauty of Indian classical soundscapes. As the night progressed, Rishab transitioned seamlessly into devotional territory, performing his viral rendition of 'Shiv Kailasho Ke Vasi', sending waves of emotion through the crowd. A standout moment was his impromptu yet mesmerizing jugalbandi with a team of talented supporting musicians, who joined him from across the country including Rajasthan & Delhi. The interplay between tabla, percussion, shehnai, flute, and guitar created a rich, layered sonic experience that felt both timeless and modern. The chemistry between the artists elevated the performance. But what truly set the evening apart was his ability to bridge tradition with the contemporary. In a mesmerizing moment, Sharma stunned the audience with sitar adaptations of the Harry Potter and Game of Thrones theme songs, showcasing the sitar's unexpected versatility and global resonance. He also performed iconic Bollywood melodies like Kal Ho Naa Ho and Diya Jale Jaan Jale, striking a perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation. He even gave the audience a special treat by teasing an unreleased track, a beautiful composition inspired by the eternal flames of Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi. Though yet to be released officially, the Hyderabad crowd needed no second listen—their resounding applause made it clear- it is already a hit. In the end, Rishab closed his show with Shiv Tandav Stotram that ignited a divine energy in the atmosphere of the auditorium. Beyond the music, the concert carried a powerful message. Between sets, Rishab opened up about his personal battle with anxiety and depression, especially during the post-COVID era. 'Mental health struggles are as common as the cold,' he shared, 'yet we rarely talk about them openly.' His vulnerability struck a chord with the audience, making the performance as emotionally enriching as it was musically impressive. He also took a heartfelt moment to thank his father, who was present at the concert, acknowledging him as a constant source of strength and a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. What could have been just another cultural event became a transformative evening. For two hours, the worries of the world were drowned out by strings that spoke directly to the soul. To conclude, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma's Hyderabad concert wasn't just a musical experience, it was proof that music can heal, uplift, and bring people closer to their own emotional truths. Visual Vibes from the Concert Night:
News18
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma To Dedicate His Jaipur Show To Pahalgam Terror Attack Victims
Last Updated: Rishab will be performing in Jaipur on April 27, where he will be paying tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. The terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, has left everyone shaken to their core. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, April 22, claimed the lives of several tourists, leaving the nation in mourning. Voices from across the country have come forward to condemn the deadly attack and express their solidarity. Among them is the acclaimed sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma. In the wake of the deadly attack, the popular sitar maestro announced on Instagram on Friday, April 25, that his upcoming show will be held in remembrance of the victims of the Pahalgam attack. In the note, he wrote, 'Sitar for Mental Health in Jaipur this Sunday will be held in the memory of the innocent lives lost in Pahalgam, Prayers. Om Shanti." He is set to perform in Jaipur on Sunday, April 27. The sitar maestro, who is the youngest and final disciple of Pandit Ravi Shankar, is currently on the India leg of his acclaimed Sitar for Mental Health Tour. Rishab kicked off the tour on April 6, with his first performance scheduled in his hometown, Delhi. The globally celebrated sitar virtuoso has since then performed in Mumbai, Pune and Ahmedabad. His shows feature some of his new compositions alongside iconic pieces like Shiv Kailash and Tumhi Dekho Naa, among others. On Instagram, Rishab Sharma shared a series of candid glimpses from his show, revealing to his followers that a total of 14,000 people attended. In the caption, he wrote, '14,000 hearts. One frequency. We made history in my hometown, Delhi. Still overwhelmed with gratitude after selling out the biggest indoor stadium in the country — thank you to every soul who showed up and tuned in. A huge win for Indian Music! This is only the beginning. Sitar for Mental Health is more than a concert — it's a movement, and it's going global. Healing, one city at a time." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rishab Rikhiram Sharma (@rishabsmusic) After his performance in Jaipur this coming Sunday, Rishab will take his tour to five other cities. His next stops are Chandigarh on May 2, Hyderabad on May 4, Indore on May 9, and Bengaluru on May 11. Rishab's Sitar For Mental Health will come to an end in Kolkata on May 18. First Published: April 25, 2025, 13:02 IST
