Sitar Virtuoso Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, who recently began his Sitar for Mental Health tour, speaks to The Pioneer over an exclusive chat, sharing his inspiration behind the
tour and also taking us along a journey through his music.
Subodhini Purohit
The well-known proverb that states “music has the power to heal wounds that medicine cannot” emphasises how healing music can be. Virtuoso sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma recently started his Sitar for Mental Health tour with a similar goal in mind in Hyderabad!
He has played in a number of Indian cities during the last two months, but it was time to travel to Hyderabad! The rich, powerful tones of ancient Indian instruments like the ‘tabla’ and ‘pakhawaj’ added to the concert’s sensory thrill. It transcended the boundaries of a performance by using complex melodies and a blend of traditional and modern beats to create music that evokes feelings, takes the listener to a different place, and uses music as a healing therapy for mental health.
The virtuoso begins, “I was struggling with mental health issues, which led to a lack of appetite and a hiatus from playing the sitar,” in an exclusive interview with The Pioneer. “I did, however, pick up the sitar again after I made the decision to face my health issues and get better. This not only helped me feel better, but it also opened my eyes to the therapeutic value of music. I was driven to tell everyone about this discovery and to inspire others to talk about their personal experiences with mental health. I think that music in general and the ‘sitar’ in particular may be effective tools for managing mental health and dispelling the stigma attached to it. The human spirit is touched and healed by music, which exists beyond the sphere of sound.”
At the age of ten, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, a fourth-generation sitar player from the illustrious Rikhiram family of luthiers, made his stage debut in 2011 alongside his father, master luthier Sanjay Sharma.
He became the youngest disciple of Sitar Maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar after the latter’s passing! He was trained by Pandit Parimal Sadaphal after Shankar’s passing and also studied with Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and Ustad Rais Khan, among other renowned maestros. Notably, Rishab is the only sitarist of his generation to have participated in popular TV series and networks like Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega, Hindustan Ke Hunarbaaz, and Doordarshan. He has also performed live for audiences of 60,000–400 million people.
“As a young teenager growing up, I found myself immersed in a world of musical instruments,” he says, “immersed in the symphony of traditional Indian music. ‘Sitar’, ‘Tanpura’, and ‘Santoor’ are surrounding me. My parents were also passionate musicians, with their fingers skipping over the veena’s strings. However, within this rich tapestry of conventional sounds, an electronic pulse beckoned as a new beat. I cherished hip-hop tunes and synthesised beats seamlessly blended into my life, uniting contemporary and traditional. My mentor, Pandit Ravi Shankar, continued to have a strong influence throughout everything and served as a beacon of light for me on my musical path.”
There is another fascinating story of Rishab, who was also the first Indian musician to deliver a mesmerising ‘sitar’ performance at the White House on Diwali. This was a deliberate and concentrated performance, as opposed to the usual background music that goes with dinners or get-togethers.
“I complied with my esteemed guruji’s instructions and patiently answered their questions concerning our music and instruments. But I continued to act in a conventional manner, recalling our annual Saraswati Pooja festival. We made a deal after I performed because I had to make things right. My family and I were the only ones who got to meet the President and First Lady, who were thrilled with the performance. The president noted in a letter that he had never heard the sound of a ‘sitar’ echoing through the White House before the performance. Seeing that letter delighted me,” he exclaimed. “The diyas, rangoli, lighting, and decorations were all done beautifully.”
In the realm of music and performance, building a relationship with the crowd is just as crucial as the actual performance. “Connecting with over 60,000 people at NGR Stadium in Houston, Texas, might seem daunting, but during my concerts, we engaged in interactive sessions where questions flowed freely,” says a musician who genuinely lives this idea. “This fosters a feeling of cohesion and common experience. The audience has a strong sense of kinship, feeling as though we’re all a part of something greater. Everyone feels inspired and united both before and after the event because of the incredible atmosphere and energy. This enchanted interaction is what makes giving a performance in front of a big crowd so exceptional.”
A mentor’s role is frequently crucial in the process of self-discovery and progress. Written by someone who has personally experienced the transformative impact of mentorship and who also shares this universal truth with the younger generation of musicians, this is a testimonial to that fact. “I had the good fortune to have wonderful mentors, and I would advise others to look for outstanding teachers as well. Learning from a mentor you don’t respect can be difficult.” Thus, the Sitarist concludes, “Find a guru who inspires you, someone you aspire to emulate, and let your potential shine through.”
