Latest news with #SitarforMentalHealth
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.
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.
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
