Rishab Rikhiram Sharma: The Rising Star of Indian Classical Music
A New Era in Classical Music
I must admit, my first encounter with the renowned musician Rishab Rikhiram Sharma was through my daughter. This connection highlights the Gen Z sitarist's influence over the younger generation, as evidenced by the enthusiastic crowds at World Street Downtown in New Chandigarh. At just 27, he has emerged as a youth icon in the realm of Bhartiya Shastrya Sangeet.
Rishab's fingers dance over the sitar with the finesse of a magician, resonating with the audience's pulse. Dressed in a striking turquoise outfit by Rimple and Harpreet, with sparkling solitaires in his ears and a grand necklace adorning his angrakha, he stands out from traditional classical musicians.
His background as a fourth-generation musician is evident in his mastery of the sitar, particularly during fast-paced renditions. His hennaed hands, marked with a trishul pattern, know precisely when to create intricate melodies.
Recognizing that his audience may not be classical music aficionados, he takes the time to explain concepts like the meaning of 'Des' in 'Raag Des' (which translates to homeland and is also the raag of our national anthem, Vande Matram) and the structure of teen taal.
However, aware of the short attention spans of his fans, he keeps his explanations concise. His brief yet skillful elaboration on Raag Bihag, his personal favorite, captivates the audience.
Engaging Performances and Unique Style
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His accompanying musicians not only support him but also shine in their own right. Thousands flock to his performances during his 10-city 'Sitar for Mental Health India Tour', eager to hear from the youngest disciple of the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar, as claimed by Anoushka Shankar.
This modern classical artist performs bhajans like 'Shiv Kailash Ke Vaasi, Shankar Sankat Harna' with genuine spiritual passion, understanding what his audience desires. While traditionalists may disapprove of his Bollywood covers, he skillfully adapts songs like 'Zara Zara' to the sitar.
Rishab is also recognized for his original composition, 'The Burning Ghat', which explores themes of life and death, and his exhilarating piece 'Tandvam', which elicits thunderous applause. As a devotee of Shiva, he emphasizes the unity of the divine and performs Shabads, encouraging his audience to cover their heads in respect for Sikh traditions.
A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
Rishab embodies the fusion of tradition and modernity in various ways, not just through sound but also through visual elements. His performances are enhanced by visual effects and pyrotechnics, transforming them into more than just classical music events.
As you ponder why audiences would pay substantial amounts and endure discomfort just to see him, he recognizes that many of his true fans are not seated in the front rows. To accommodate those in the back, he mingles with the crowd, pauses for autographs, and even performs a Himachali song on a secondary stage before returning to the main one.
In tune with contemporary trends, he also incorporates theme music from popular series like 'Game of Thrones' and 'Harry Potter' into his sitar performances.
Additionally, he showcases his LED-equipped electric sitar, a gift from his father, Sanjay Sharma. His pieces 'Kautilaya' pays tribute to fathers, while 'Chankaya' honors motherhood.
Dedicated to making classical music accessible, Rishab captivates audiences in Punjab, who are typically accustomed to Punjabi beats, inviting them to appreciate the rich sounds of Indian classical music.
His idol, the legendary Ravi Shankar, brought the sitar to global prominence, and now this New York-based disciple is connecting the youth of India to its profound sounds and healing power. Clearly, when music transcends boundaries, it truly takes flight.