Rishab Rikhiram Sharma

Rishabh Rikhiram Sharma (born September 17, 1998) is an Indian-born, New York-based sitarist, music producer, composer, and mental health advocate. He is known for his innovative approach to classical Indian music and his efforts to promote mental health awareness. 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.
==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.
 
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.
 
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.
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. 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. 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.
 
Sharma made history as the first musician to collaborate with the United Nations in advocating for global mental health awareness. He has represented India at the prestigious "We The Future: Reimagining the Future of Global Mental Health" summit.
==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.
==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==
==External links==
* Personal website
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* Rishabh Rikhiram Sharma on YouTube
* Rishabh Rikhiram Sharma on Spotify
* Rishabh Rikhiram Sharma on IMDb
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Category:1998 births
Category:Sitar players
Category:Music producers
Category:Composers
Category:Mental health activists