Behind the Music: My Rituals and Process
Step into the quiet moments before the stage lights turn on. See the rituals, the 3am soundchecks, and the dedication that builds the Sitar for Mental Health experience.
3am soundchecks for 'Sitar for Mental Health.' This is the behind-the-scenes work that goes into every show, ensuring the sound is perfect for the audience's meditative experience.
The story behind my pre-show henna ritual. I call this design "Weapons of Mass Peace." For me, applying henna is a form of 'shringaar' (decoration) and a meditative act of celebration before every performance.
Walking into an empty venue for a 3am soundcheck. There's a unique magic in the quiet before the storm, a moment to connect with the space before it's filled with people and music.
On stage for a soundcheck, dressed casually but with the same focus. This is where we fine-tune every detail of the show.
A close-up from a soundcheck. Even in these early hours, the connection with the sitar is everything.
A photo dump from my life on tour. It's a mix of everything: moments with my mom, behind the scenes of a video shoot, press conferences, gym progress, and quiet sunsets. This is the journey.
Before most concerts, I apply henna to my hands. This video shows the process, which is a meaningful practice for me, symbolizing joy, protection, and my connection to tradition.
A casual moment on the streets of Delhi, standing in front of a billboard for my show. Seeing my face and my sitar up there in my hometown is always a surreal feeling.
A shot from the Disney+ Hotstar series 'Mastery,' which captured a day in my life. This was filmed in a studio, showing the more produced side of my work.
A close-up from the 'Mastery' shoot, lost in the music. The series gave me a chance to share my story and the philosophy behind my music.
About Behind the Music
You see the stage, but the real work happens at 3am. Before every concert, I apply henna, which I call 'Weapons of Mass Peace.' It is my shringaar, a meditative ritual that centres my mind. This is followed by exhaustive soundchecks where we dial in the acoustics to ensure every note, from the deep Surbahar to the fusion loops, hits with pure clarity.
My process is rooted in the legacy of the Rikhi Ram family, but my execution is modern. That henna on my hands serves as a reminder of the joy and protection I bring to the stage. It keeps me grounded, whether I am in Delhi, London, or New York.
On tour, the technical setup is vital. I work with a dedicated engineer to manage the complex mix of loops and classical instruments. My wardrobe is another part of the story, often high-fashion Indian couture that matches the energy of the event.
My mission is to heal and to connect. I am not just playing music. I am building a bridge between the ancient ragas I learned from my Guru, Pt. Ravi Shankar, and the pop culture anthems that define today. From sold-out arenas to intimate corporate wellness sessions, the focus remains the same. The preparation is intense because the experience must be perfect for every person in the room. This is the Indian music renaissance I am committed to building. If you are looking for a performance that moves between spiritual chanting and fusion, let us talk.
Similar work from other experts
Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe
36
Behind the Scenes of My Tabla Performances
38
Behind the Scenes of My Music Life
12
A Peek Behind the Music: My Journey on and off Stage
Behind the Scenes: Studio and Rehearsals
7
Behind-the-Scenes Tabla Performance Moments
9
Behind the Scenes of a Sitar Concert Tour
More from Live Concerts & Public Performances by Rishab Rikhiram Sharma
More services by Rishab Rikhiram Sharma