Renowned sitarist and music producer Rishab Rikhiram Sharma is set to grace Bengaluru with his ‘Sitar for Mental Health’ tour, scheduled for Sunday. The 90-minute performance promises an enchanting blend of evening ragas along with popular regional, folk, and film numbers.
An Eclectic Performance:
Sharma’s repertoire for the evening includes a diverse selection of melodies. From the traditional ‘Kesariya balam’ in Jaipur to a medley of A R Rahman’s compositions in Chennai, and Bollywood hits in Mumbai, he has enthralled audiences across the country. In Bengaluru, he plans to captivate listeners with film numbers like ‘Zara zara’, ‘Saathiya’, and ‘Jiya jale’, known for their popularity nationwide.
A Musical Journey:
As the youngest and final disciple of sitar legend Pandit Ravi Shankar, Sharma brings a profound understanding of ragas to his performances. Emphasizing the introspective nature of ragas, he aims to create a meditative experience for his audience. Alongside classical renditions in the ‘rupak taal’, he will showcase some of his own released and unreleased compositions.
Advocating for Mental Health:
Beyond his musical prowess, Sharma is a fervent advocate for mental health awareness. Drawing inspiration from his personal journey through depression and anxiety during the pandemic, he discovered the therapeutic potential of music. ‘Raga chikitsa’ or raga therapy, an ancient practice, holds a special significance for him in promoting mental wellness.
Sharing Healing Through Music:
Incorporating his insights from therapy, Sharma embarked on a mission to share the healing power of music. Through platforms like Clubhouse and Instagram, he began disseminating classical melodies, offering solace to listeners worldwide. His tour last year spanned across the globe, including the US, Canada, and South America, spreading awareness about mental health.
A Collaborative Performance:
Accompanied by Raghuraman R on guitar and Prashant Trivedi on tabla, Sharma’s performance promises to be an immersive journey of musical exploration and emotional healing. Through his artistry, Sharma seeks to raise awareness about mental health and encourage individuals to prioritize their well-being.
As Bengaluru awaits the melodic resonance of Sharma’s sitar, his music continues to serve as a beacon of hope and solace in challenging times.
