Rishab Rikhiram Sharma
Rishab Rikhiram Sharma | |
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| Born | September 17, 1998 Delhi, India |
| Nationality | Indian-American |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Alma mater | Queens College |
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| Parents |
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| Website | www |
Rishabh Rikhiram Sharma (born September 17, 1998) is an Indian-born, New York-based sitarist, music producer, composer, and mental health advocate.[1] He is known for his innovative approach to classical Indian music and his efforts to promote mental health awareness.[2] Sharma is the youngest and final disciple of sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar.
Early life and education
Sharma was born in Delhi, India, into the Rikhi Ram family, renowned for its legacy of master luthiers who have crafted instruments for prominent sitar musicians. At 10, his father, Sanjay Rikhiram Sharma, introduced him to the sitar and nurtured his early musical talent.
At 11, Sharma became a disciple of Pandit Ravi Shankar, learning under his guidance for two years. Following Shankar’s passing, Sharma continued his training under Pandit Parimal Sadaphal and also learned from musicians like Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and Ustad Rais Khan.
Sharma completed his schooling at Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram. At 17, he moved to New York to study at Queens College, City University of New York, majoring in music production and economics.[3]
Career
Sharma’s career began with an introduction to the world stage in 2011, when his sitar performance gained the attention of Pandit Ravi Shankar. He has since performed at prominent events, including a solo performance for an audience of 60,000 and 500 million viewers worldwide.[4][5]
Sharma’s work extends to television and collaborations with global brands such as ALDO and HSBC. His unique style and mental health initiatives have earned him recognition on platforms like NDTV, Doordarshan, and major Indian reality shows.[6]
Sharma’s compositions blend classical music with modern elements, and he has released notable works, including Chanakya, a piece inspired by the Indian Veer Rasa. In 2023, he directed Kautilya for Spotify, and in 2024, he performed for Indian athletes at the Paris Olympics closing ceremony.[7]
Sharma actively engages with audiences through live sessions on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Clubhouse, where he shares his music and discusses mental health topics.
Mental health advocacy
In 2020, Sharma founded Sitar for Mental Health, a project promoting mental wellness through music therapy.[8] He offers free music therapy sessions, collaborates with mental health experts, and conducts awareness tours. His efforts include a multi-city tour across the United States, India, Canada, and South America.[9] He has also released the Sitar for Mental Health Mix Tape, featuring five ragas, such as Alhaiya Bilawal, Bhairavi, Khamaj, Shankara, and Bihaagananda, all designed for mental peace.[10]
Sharma made history as the first musician to collaborate with the United Nations in advocating for global mental health awareness.[11] He has represented India at the prestigious "We The Future: Reimagining the Future of Global Mental Health" summit.[12][13]
Stage presence and setup
Sharma’s performances are characterized by an elaborate stage setup inspired by Indian cultural motifs. His use of traditional attire, hands adorned with mehendi designs, and Kashmiri rugs creates an ambiance reminiscent of ancient Indian gatherings. The backdrop often includes significant architectural sites, like the Ranakpur Jain Temple, adding spiritual depth to his music sessions.[14]
Awards and recognitions
- In 2021, Sharma was nominated for the Hindustan Times 30 Under 30 list.
- In June 2024, he was featured on the cover of The Score Magazine.
- In 2022, Sharma became the first solo Indian classical musician to receive an invitation to perform at the White House for President Joe Biden's Diwali event.
- He performed at the Woodstock 50 Reunion, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the iconic Woodstock Festival, in tribute to the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar’s original performance.
References
- ↑ "The Sonic Universe of Rishab Rikhiram Sharma: A Modern Sitarist's Journey Through Sound and Soul". medium.com. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
- ↑ Indulge, Team (5 June 2024). "Indian sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma becomes first musician to join United Nations for mental health advocacy". Indulgexpress. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
- ↑ "Rishab Rikhiram Sharma in Bangalore". Explocity Bangalore. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
- ↑ Ramya, Vennapusala (18 April 2024). "Healing hearts & minds: Rishab Rikhiram Sharma's unique journey with music". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
- ↑ "Meet Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, a 25-year-old sitar player advocating music for mental wellness". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
- ↑ "Interview: Rishab Rikhiram Sharma on mentor Pandit Ravi Shankar and playing sitar for mental health". WION. 10 May 2024. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
- ↑ "Classical music needs to be marketed better today: Rishab Rikhiram Sharma". The Times of India. 29 March 2024. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
- ↑ "Music and mental health: Sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma is man on mission". The Tribune. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
- ↑ "Rishab Rikhiram Sharma: Modernising the Sitar and Using Music Therapy for Mental Health". Bombay Times. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
- ↑ "Indian Sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma becomes UN's first musician advocate for mental health - CNBC TV18". CNBCTV18. 7 June 2024. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
- ↑ "Rishab Rikhiram Sharma to go global with tour: Want to use my sitar to make more noise about mental health". www.hindustantimes.com. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
- ↑ Mary, S. B. Vijaya (12 March 2024). "Rishab Rikhiram Sharma's 'Sitar for Mental Health' music series offers an immersive experience to the audience". The Hindu. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
- ↑ "The Score Magazine June 2024 issue ft Rishab Rikhiram Sharma on the cover! - Highonscore | The Score Magazine". ighonscore.com. 21 June 2024. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
- ↑ "I was surrounded by musical instruments, but not allowed to touch them: Sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma". The Week. Retrieved 12 November 2024.