Find out how Rishab Sharma took forward music by following Pandit Ravi Shankar’s Guru Mantra.
Rishab Sharma plays the double role
On Teachers’ Day, sitar player Rishab Rikhiram Sharma shared important aspects of his musical journey.
He is the youngest and last disciple of Pandit Ravi Shankar, as well as the son of machine luthier Sanjay Rikhi Ram Sharma, meaning music is in his blood.
First journey of music
Rishabh picked up the sitar at the age of 10 and stepped on stage at the age of 13.
Amidst the world of his father’s craftsmanship, music gave him another world.
The luthier tradition of the Rikhi Ram family, which has been going on for three generations, gave a new dimension to his music.
Balance between two tunes
“If not me, who will move forward?” This question came to Rishabh’s mind when he felt lonely after the departure of Pandit Ravi Shankar (2012) and the demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain (2024).
He decided that both the Guru and the family will carry forward the legacy equally. “I am all set for this role,” Rishabh told HT.
Guru’s real mantra
When Pandit Ravi Shankar discovered Rishabh through a YouTube video, the tenor of his training changed. Guruji taught him to “think” rather than copy.
“My music is a reflection of me because I saw his vision in my own way,” says Rishabh.
Once, when he forgot half of a composition, he felt Guruji’s hand in his dream, reminding him of the correct notes.
Music as a bridge to mental health
Rishabh’s grandfather’s death during COVID-19 connected him to the challenges of mental health. He brought hope to people through music through the ‘Sitar for Mental Health India Tour’.
“When I saw that music can reduce anxiety and depression, my purpose became clear,” he says.
To this end, he also drew inspiration from American rapper Kanye West’s 2018 album ‘ye’, which openly spoke about mental illness.
Indian music on the global stage
Rishabh has played sitar in many parts of the world—India, USA, Canada, South America.
He got the opportunity to create history by playing sitar solo for the first time at the Diwali celebrations at the White House.
This invitation came when the then-President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris invited him.
On Teachers’ Day, Rishabh Sharma’s story tells us that music is not just a tune, it is a responsibility—a confluence of the teachings of the Guru, the tune of the family and contribution to the society.
These Guru Mantras of his inspire every disciple to carry forward the precious legacy.
