Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, the acclaimed sitarist and music producer, is all set for his India tour organised by Team Innovation starting next month. “There are natural challenges of organising a tour however, things are moving. I’m manifesting everything coming into place and whatever I envision coming to life,” he says. Excerpts:
‘Playing the sitar professionally was not on my mind’
I am from a family of musical instrument makers. My father worked with all the legends of Indian classical music. I was more interested in guitar and vocals, but when a broken sitar returned from Switzerland for repairs, I was intrigued by the instrument and began experimenting. Eventually, I found that playing the sitar came naturally to me. The idea of playing the sitar professionally was never really on my mind. But when my father saw my potential, he decided to teach me. He is my first guru, and that is how my journey with the sitar began.

‘An instrument is only a tool; the way you play it matters’
There is no easy way to learn the sitar, it comes with its challenges. You have to be prepared for calluses, for sitting still for hours, and for dealing with the occasional broken string, but, music can express an array of emotions. An instrument is just a tool, it’s how you play it that matters. Mastering any instrument is difficult but it is tremendously rewarding.
‘Creating the right vibe during the performance is essential’
The energy from the crowd plays a huge role. I like to start my shows with a meditation session, asking the audience to get off their phones, close their eyes, and connect with the music. Without the right environment, the music won’t have the desired impact. When that vibe is created, there’s nothing more beautiful than thousands of people breathing together, and sharing the same frequencies. For me, music is a tool for people’s emotional well-being as it allows them to disconnect from the daily chaos of life and reset their minds, and I feel like I’ve played sitar in a past life, and it just comes so naturally, as though it was meant for me.

‘I enjoy experimenting with new sounds and genres’
Rishab’s talent of blending sitar with several genres, including pop and electronic, has been making the instrument more accessible to the audience, especially Gen Zs. “I don’t consciously decide to merge the sitar with a particular genre; it’s about following my creative instincts and allowing the music to guide me. I’m a producer as much as I am a sitarist. The more I produce music, the more I learn about different genres. So when I combine sitar with modern music, it doesn’t feel forced—it just feels natural,” he shared.
‘It isn’t about aesthetics, it is a celebration of authenticity’
What started as a personal style statement has turned him into an internet sensation. His bold approach to embrace Mehendi and challenge the stereotypical traditions caught people’s attention on social media.
“I’ve always had a love for fashion and experimenting with different looks. I was looking for something unique to do with my hands, as they’re often in focus in videos and photos. Initially, I thought about tattoos, but I wasn’t a fan of their permanence or the idea of ink entering my bloodstream. After doing some research, I discovered jaguar juice, a black ink, and worked with a Mehendi designer to try it. However, the ink was messy and stained everything, so I decided against it. That’s when I decided to give pure Indian Mehendi a shot, despite the stereotype that it’s a woman’s art form. I thought, “If it looks cool, it looks cool—why can’t men wear it?” The more I wore it, the more I realized it wasn’t just about the aesthetic; it was about celebrating something meaningful and authentic”, shared Rishab.

‘I don’t try to fit into “classical artist” mould’
“While I’m semi-private about my personal life, I don’t try to fit into the traditional ‘classical artist’ mold. I enjoy sharing the things that genuinely reflect who I am— whether it’s what I’m wearing or the music I’m listening to. People are often surprised when they learn I’m into hardcore hip-hop, but that’s just part of my identity. It’s what makes me unique, and I’m happy to embrace it without conforming to any expectations.”