Rishab Rikhiram Sharma: A Young Sitarist Breaking Stereotypes Around Culture, Mental Health and ‘Shringar’

Biography: Rishab Rikhiram Sharma is a 26-year-old Sitar virtuoso who is shaping the world with her art, culture, and advocacy for music for mental health. Sharma is the youngest and last disciple of Pandit Ravi Shankar and has been playing the sitar since the tender age of 10. 

He has performed to a massive audience, including the Diwali party of former President Joe Biden in the White House. 

He is also breaking the traditional stereotypes of cultural exclusivity of art, making his music accessible to all. He also creates fusion music by blending the contemporary with culture. Rishab is a mental health advocate as well who believes in the healing property of music therapy. He adorns his hands with intricate henna designs before every performance as an evil eye warding ‘shringar’ often labeled as "feminine". 

Know more about the young sitarist in the full video.

Sidharth Malhotra-Janhvi Kapoor To Lakshya-Ananya Panday: New Pairs To Rule The Silver Screen in 2025