Rishab Rikhiram Sharma
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Rishab Rikhiram Sharma (born 17 September 1998) is an Indian sitar player, music producer, and composer known for blending traditional Hindustani classical music with contemporary genres. He is a torchbearer of the prestigious Rikhi Ram legacy of luthiers and is renowned for being the youngest and last disciple of the legendary sitar maestro, Pandit Ravi Shankar.
Sharma is also a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, integrating his platform with his unique 'Sitar for Mental Health' music series.
Early Life and Musical Lineage
[edit | edit source]Rishab Rikhiram Sharma was born in Delhi, India, on September 17, 1998. He belongs to the famous **Rikhi Ram family**, a four-generation lineage of luthiers (musical instrument makers) who run the renowned Rikhi Ram Musical Co. in Delhi. The company is famous globally for crafting instruments for iconic musicians, including The Beatles and Pandit Ravi Shankar.
His father, **Sanjay Rikhiram Sharma**, a master luthier, served as Rishab's first guru and introduced him to the sitar at the age of ten. Growing up in a household surrounded by instruments instilled a deep reverence for the craft and the music itself. He received training in traditional Indian classical music, which laid the foundation for his innovative musical style.
Mentorship under Pandit Ravi Shankar
[edit | edit source]In 2011, following a stage performance in Delhi, Rishab's talent caught the attention of Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar. The maestro took Rishab on as his youngest and last formal disciple, a title that holds immense significance in the lineage of Indian classical music.
Under the intensive tutelage of Pandit Ravi Shankar, Rishab deepened his understanding of classical ragas and the Maihar gharana style. Following Pandit Ravi Shankar's passing, Rishab continued his training under **Pandit Parimal Sadaphal**, one of his senior-most disciples.
Sharma later pursued a dual degree in Music Production and Economics at the City University of New York (CUNY), Queens College, further establishing his ability to blend classical music with modern production techniques.
Career and Musical Style
[edit | edit source]Sharma's music is characterized by a unique fusion of the spiritual and technical depth of the sitar with modern, accessible genres such as Lo-Fi, Hip-Hop, EDM, and pop. His musical aim is to modernize the sitar and Indian classical music, making it relevant to a global and younger audience.
He gained a significant online following through platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Clubhouse, where he shares performances, compositions, and mashups that blend contemporary tunes with the sitar.
- Modernization of the Sitar: Rishab has collaborated with his father to create custom, amplified 'electric-mic sitars' tailored to his performance needs, allowing the instrument to be heard effectively in a band or fusion setting.
- Notable Work: He is a prolific composer and producer. His work includes the album Navaras: The nine emotional states, which features the popular track Roslyn, noted as a groundbreaking Lo-Fi sitar song.
- Global Performances: Rishab has performed extensively across India, the United States, and Canada, including prestigious venues and events. He notably performed at the White House Diwali celebrations in October 2022.
Sitar for Mental Health
[edit | edit source]Beyond his musical career, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma is a prominent advocate for mental health awareness. Drawing from his personal experiences with anxiety and depression, particularly following the loss of his grandfather, he developed the **'Sitar for Mental Health'** initiative.
This series integrates sitar performance with mindfulness and introspection techniques. His sessions typically involve:
- A brief introduction and breathing exercise.
- A slow, therapeutic performance of a raga, inviting the audience to align their breath with the rhythm.
- Open discussions on the importance of seeking help and breaking the stigma around mental illness.
He utilizes his platform to raise awareness and funds for mental health organizations, positioning music as a tool for healing and self-care.
Discography (Selected)
[edit | edit source]- Navaras: The nine emotional states (Album, featuring Roslyn)
- The Burning Ghat (Single)
- Dhun Rasiya (Composed by Pt. Ravi Shankar)
References
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