Okay, let’s get real — the world is loud, stressful, and sometimes you just wanna shut out everything and vibe with something that heals. Enter: Rishabh Rikhiram Sharma — the last disciple of sitar legend Pandit Ravi Shankar, and the guy who’s making Indian classical music cool, calming, and kinda cosmic.
With his ongoing 10-city India tour titled “Sitar For Mental Health”, Rishabh isn’t just playing music — he’s crafting a wellness experience. From Delhi to Bengaluru, his 2-hour concerts blend ancient ragas with sound healing, all tuned to help you breathe better, think clearer, and feel deeply.
“Ancient ragas are resonating with contemporary listeners in new ways,” says Rishabh.
Why Indian Classical Music Feeds Your Brain & Soul
Indian classical music isn’t just about raagas and rhythms — it’s medicine for the mind. Backed by science, this stuff can:
✅ Reduce anxiety and depression
✅ Lower blood pressure
✅ Improve focus and sleep
✅ Increase dopamine (yes, that happy hormone!)
Fun Fact: Raga Darbari is known to calm the mind, while Raga Bhairavi can reduce anger and bring peace.
While today’s playlists are full of “dopamine hits,” classical music is more like nutrients for your neurons.
Gen Z Loves Aesthetics, But Also… Authenticity
So why are digital natives suddenly into tanpuras and sitars?
- Because Rishabh makes it feel relevant. He’s the guy who played at Biden’s Diwali celebration in 2022 and he’s got an Insta feed that’s both aesthetic and soulful.
- His shows aren’t just performances — they’re mental detox sessions where you come out feeling… human again.
“It’s Not Just Music. It’s Movement.”
Rishabh comes from a family of instrument makers dating back to 1920, Lahore. And now? He’s giving that legacy a future.
“I weave the sounds of the sitar with healing techniques to make each show a wellness journey,” Rishabh explains.
It’s no longer about just being entertained. It’s about being transformed.
Did You Know?
Pandit Ravi Shankar, Rishabh’s mentor, was also George Harrison’s sitar guru from The Beatles.
Studies from Stanford University show that classical Indian music can help synchronize brain waves to promote mental clarity.
Temples use bells and ragas during aartis — not just for tradition, but to actually stimulate your brain’s alpha waves.
A Sitarist With Soul & Style
Rishabh Rikhiram Sharma isn’t just redefining music — he’s redefining the look of a classical artist. With intricate mehndi designs on his hands inspired by Lord Shiva, and adorned in statement earrings and symbolic jewelry, he brings a divine blend of tradition and self-expression to the stage. His aesthetic isn’t just fashion — it’s philosophy, a tribute to the inner divine, the cosmic energy, and the powerful stillness of classical sound.
So, What’s the Future?
With burnout, anxiety, and tech fatigue on the rise, Gen Z and Millennials are searching for grounding energy. And guess what? It’s not always in a screen. Sometimes, it’s in a Raag Yaman played under starry skies.
The revival of Indian classical music isn’t just a trend — it’s a renaissance. Rishabh Rikhiram Sharma’s tour is proof that our ancient art can still soothe modern hearts.
So the next time someone says sitar is for boomers, tell them:
“Nah fam, it’s a vibe. It’s self-care. It’s sound therapy with strings.”
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