Immersive Sitar Concerts and Live Performances
I take the sitar out of the quiet music room and into the heart of the crowd! These are the moments where tradition meets the energy of thousands.
This is what 14,000 hearts united in one frequency looks like. Performing in my hometown of Delhi and selling out the country's largest indoor stadium was a historic moment for Indian music and a profoundly humbling experience for me. This is the energy and connection we build together.
What happens when Westeros meets Hogwarts? Here is a live mashup of the Game of Thrones and Harry Potter themes from my show in New York City. I love blending the worlds of ancient ragas and modern pop culture to create something unexpected and magical.
A view from the audience at my sold-out show at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). Every concert is a full sensory experience, combining the sitar's sound with a live band and immersive visuals to transport you.
At the heart of every performance is a moment of stillness. Here, surrounded by candles at the Tagore Theatre, I begin with a meditation, creating a space for us to breathe, connect, and find calm together before the music begins.
A truly special moment on stage with my mother, Manjula Sharma, for a duet of our favorite bhajan, "Shiv Kailash." Her voice and our shared Himachali roots are a huge part of my musical foundation, and sharing this with an audience was a blessing.
I was incredibly honored to represent Indian classical music at the first-ever Diwali celebration at the White House. This screenshot from the official POTUS Instagram captures a moment that was a huge milestone for me and for the global recognition of our culture.
A close-up look at the details. My hands, adorned with henna featuring a Ganesha design, and the intricate craftsmanship of the sitar, handmade by my father. Every element of the performance is a form of expression and devotion.
The energy in Pune was electric as 12,000 people lit up the arena and sang along to my sitar version of "Tumhi Dekho Naa." This is the celebration part of the night, where we move from introspection to pure joy and shared experience.
About Featured
My setup is not just about the sitar. I use custom backing tracks and visual loops, which means our sound check is longer and more technical than a standard recital. This allows us to sync the ancient ragas with the lighting to create an immersive experience that keeps a large crowd engaged for ninety minutes.
Bringing Indian classical music to stadiums requires more than just skill on the instrument. It is about scale and precision. Whether I am playing at the Tagore Theatre or a packed arena in Pune, the process remains the same. I work with a band of five to six musicians, including tabla players, percussionists, and sometimes violinists to ensure the sound fills the room.
The visual element is just as critical as the audio. We use high-resolution motion graphics of mandalas and nature to provide a backdrop that breathes with the music. For venues where projection is possible, this creates a total sensory environment. I often switch between my acoustic and electric sitars depending on the setlist, moving from classical alaap sections to high-tempo fusion covers of cinematic themes.
If you are planning an event, keep in mind that this production involves specific technical needs. We require a dedicated sound engineer to manage the mix between the acoustic sitar and the electronic elements. It is an intricate setup, but the result is a performance that bridges the gap between old-school roots and modern pop culture.
Rishab Rikhiram Sharma
I grew up with the sitar in my hands, learning from my father, Sanjay Rikhiram, and the legendary Pt. Ravi Shankar. My mission is to share this sound with the world, whether that means a candle-lit hall or a stadium stage.
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