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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| Website | www |
Rishab Rikhiram Sharma is an Indian sitarist, composer, producer, and mental health advocate. A member of the Rikhi Ram family of sitar makers in Delhi, Sharma is recognized for blending the traditions of Indian classical music with contemporary production styles.[1] He is widely known as the youngest and last disciple of the legendary sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar. Alongside his performances, Sharma is the founder of Sitar for Mental Health, an initiative that combines music with mental wellness practices.[2]
Early life and education
Rishab Sharma was born into the Rikhi Ram family, a renowned lineage of sitar makers based in Delhi. His father, Sanjay Sharma, a master sitar maker at Rikhi Ram, introduced him to the sitar at the age of ten. He gave his first stage performance in 2011, and his talent quickly brought him into contact with Pandit Ravi Shankar, who accepted him as a disciple, making Sharma the youngest and last student of the sitar legend. Sharma completed his schooling at Delhi Public School, R. K. Puram. At the age of seventeen he moved to New York City, where he pursued higher education at the City University of New York, Queens College campus, earning a dual degree in Music Production and Economics.
Career
Sharma’s career has developed at the intersection of Indian classical music and contemporary soundscapes. His performances often combine the sitar with modern arrangements and meditative practices, reflecting his belief in music as a tool for healing and mindfulness. He has appeared on major stages in both India and abroad, including a high-profile performance at the White House during Diwali celebrations hosted by President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris. He has also played for large international audiences, such as a concert at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, attended by more than sixty thousand people and broadcast to millions worldwide.
In India, Sharma has been featured in innovative live shows, including a meditative performance in Hyderabad that integrated sitar music with guided breathwork, offering audiences a healing experience. His work frequently appears across social media platforms, where he shares performances, live sessions, and reels that attract large followings.
Sitar for Mental Health
In 2020, Sharma founded Sitar for Mental Health, an initiative designed to raise awareness about mental well-being and provide music-based therapeutic experiences. The project offers online sessions, workshops, and collaborations with mental health professionals to make music therapy accessible to wider audiences. Sharma has spoken publicly about his own struggles with anxiety and depression, using his personal story to encourage conversations about mental health and to destigmatize emotional challenges. The initiative has grown into a signature part of his career, blending his artistic practice with advocacy.
Musical style and influences
Sharma’s style is rooted in the classical training he received from his father and from Pandit Ravi Shankar. While preserving the discipline of the sitar tradition, he has introduced elements of modern production and global fusion into his work. His philosophy emphasizes the therapeutic and spiritual dimensions of music, and he has positioned the sitar not only as a classical instrument but also as a medium for mindfulness, meditation, and personal growth.
Recognition and media coverage
Rishab Sharma’s performances and projects have been covered by leading publications and media outlets. The Times of India has highlighted his meditative concerts that integrate Indian classical music with mindfulness practices. His presence on platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook has further amplified his reach, allowing him to build a global following. Media coverage frequently emphasizes his dual identity as both a traditional sitarist and a modern cultural innovator working at the intersection of music and wellness.
Personal life
Beyond his career, Sharma has been vocal about his experiences with mental health challenges, openly discussing his journey through anxiety and depression. He divides his time between the United States and India, balancing international performances with his advocacy work. His personal mission reflects his belief that music can serve as both a cultural heritage and a tool for healing.
References
- ↑ "The Sonic Universe of Rishab Rikhiram Sharma: A Modern Sitarist's Journey Through Sound and Soul". medium.com. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
- ↑ Indulge, Team (5 June 2024). "Indian sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma becomes first musician to join United Nations for mental health advocacy". Indulgexpress. Retrieved 13 September 2025.