Rishab Rikhiram Sharma Concludes 'Sitar for Mental Health' Tour with Meditative Delhi Concert
Sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma brought his innovative 'Sitar for Mental Health' tour to a close in Delhi with a performance that defied conventional concert expectations. The event, held in an open city ground, began not with roaring cheers but with an immersive silence and meditative breathing exercise, setting a tone far removed from typical overstimulated musical gatherings.
An Unconventional Concert Experience
Fans, mostly dressed in white as requested by Sharma, experienced optics, visuals, production, and entry protocols unlike anything previously seen in the city. The audience sat throughout the entire performance without dancing, simply absorbing Sharma's sitar playing that aimed to calm rather than excite. The repertoire spanned from traditional compositions like Shiv Kailash to surprising inclusions like the viral Bahraini beat FA9LA from Dhurandhar.
Visual and Musical Journey Across India
Sharma's performance featured an expansive exploration of ragas including Bihaag, Kedar, and Tilak Kamod, accompanied by visual backdrops that transitioned from the ghats of Banaras to Indian mountains, and even included depictions of the Hogwarts dining hall. "This is a journey from the deserts of India to the mountains of India," Sharma declared before performing Padharo Mhare Des followed by Shiv Kailash.
The sitarist described the evening as "a fun family bonding exercise" for those attending together, asking the crowd whether they had come with family or solo. His attire included traditional mehendi on his arms and an armour piece, while his instruments ranged from classical sitar to an electric version he called SITARA, featuring 640 LEDs.
Personal Connections and Musical Tributes
Before performing Raag Tilak Kamod, Sharma addressed his musical lineage without hesitation, stating: "This is the first raag I ever learnt, first from my dad, and then my guruji, Ravi Shankar ji." He reiterated his description of the maestro as his guru, seemingly unfazed by any controversy surrounding his discipleship.
During the concert's second half, Sharma moved to a secondary stage to perform for audience members in the back, where he introduced a Himachali folk song called Belua that his mother had taught him. From this stage, he engaged the Delhi audience directly, asking "kya sunna chahenge Delhi ki audience" before playing nostalgic film melodies including:
- Zara Zara
- Tumhi Dekho Naa
- Kal Ho Naa Ho
- FA9LA
Emotional Finale and Notable Attendees
As the performance approached its conclusion, Sharma played The Burning Ghat, his tribute to Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, recounting how deeply affected he was when visiting the site. He dedicated a song to mothers, sharing: "I have got my armour today and I feel our mothers are that to us. I think mothers are the most courageous people."
The concert concluded with a powerful Tandavam, deliberately avoiding fireworks for what his team described as "an intentional decision taken to ensure a mindful and responsible celebration." Among the prominent attendees were Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, designer Nikhil Mehra, and MPs Priyanka Chaturvedi and Rajeev Shukla.
Reimagining Classical Music for Modern Audiences
Sharma's approach represents a contemporary reinterpretation of classical music accessibility. By incorporating familiar elements from popular culture—including Harry Potter and Game of Thrones themes alongside film melodies and viral beats—he creates entry points for new listeners while maintaining classical traditions.
"Familiarity is often the doorway," Sharma explained in a previous interview. "When audiences recognise something they already love, they open up instantly. I may bring them in with a Harry Potter or Game of Thrones theme, but once they're there, they're also experiencing Indian classical music. It's less about fusion and more about translation—creating an entry point."
This methodology has proven effective in attracting Gen Z listeners and first-time sitar audiences who might otherwise find classical music inaccessible. From live streams to packed open grounds and global tours, Sharma's sitar is reaching new listeners not through overstimulation but through carefully curated experiences that blend recognition with discovery.
The performance demonstrated how classical traditions can evolve while maintaining their essence, creating bridges across generations through musical innovation and thoughtful presentation.
