Rishab Rikhiram Sharma is not just a musician. He is a storyteller, a healer, and a bridge between two worlds—one rooted in ancient Indian classical music, and the other shaped by modern sounds and global conversations. Born into the legendary Rikhi Ram family of luthiers in Delhi, India, Rishab has grown into a sitar virtuoso, composer, music producer, and mental health advocate. His journey is not only about mastering the sitar but also about using music to help people feel better and live fuller lives.
As of January 2025, Rishab is 26 years old and lives in New York City. He has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including the White House and the Woodstock 50 reunion. He is also the youngest and final disciple of the legendary sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar. This mentorship shaped his musical style and gave him a deep respect for tradition.
Early Life & Musical Roots
Rishab was born on September 17, 1998, in Delhi, India. From the very beginning, music was a part of his life. His family, the Rikhi Ram family, is famous for making musical instruments for some of the greatest musicians in the world. Growing up in this environment, Rishab was surrounded by sitars, tablas, and other classical instruments. But it wasn’t just about the tools—it was about the spirit of music that filled his home.
His father, Sanjay Rikhiram Sharma, is a master luthier who crafts sitars with great care and precision. His mother, Manjul Sharma, is a talented singer. Together, they created a home where music was not just heard—it was felt. Rishab’s early years were shaped by this rich musical atmosphere. At the age of 10, his father introduced him to the sitar, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey. Rishab’s first public performance came in 2011 at the India Islamic Cultural Centre in Delhi. He was just 13 years old, but his talent was already shining.
Family Background
Born into the renowned Rikhi Ram family in Delhi, India, Rishab’s upbringing was steeped in music and craftsmanship. His father, Sanjay Rikhiram Sharma, is a master sitar luthier who has built instruments for legends like Pandit Ravi Shankar and George Harrison. For Sanjay, making a sitar wasn’t just a technical job—it was a spiritual act. He believed each instrument had a soul, and this perspective shaped the way Rishab viewed music as emotional, not mechanical.
His mother, Manjul Sharma, is a trained classical vocalist who brought melody and sensitivity into their household. She often sang during family gatherings and taught Rishab the importance of emotional expression in art. Rishab also has an elder brother, Mukul Sharma, who supported him throughout his career journey.
Rishab Rikhiram Sharma Wiki | BIO
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rishab Rikhiram Sharma |
| Date of Birth | September 17, 1998 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 26 years |
| Birthplace | Delhi, India |
| Nationality | Indian-American |
| Current Residence | New York City, USA |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) |
| Weight | 68 kg (150 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Body Type | Athletic |
| Father | Sanjay Rikhiram Sharma (Master Luthier) |
| Mother | Manjul Sharma (Classical Singer) |
| Sibling(s) | Mukul Sharma (Brother) |
| Education | Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram; Queens College, City University of New York (Dual Degree: Music Production & Economics) |
| Occupation | Sitar Virtuoso, Composer, Music Producer, Mental Health Advocate |
| Notable Mentor | Pandit Ravi Shankar (Youngest and Final Disciple) |
| Known For | Blending classical Indian music with modern genres; Mental health advocacy |
| Major Initiative | “Sitar for Mental Health” |
| UN Collaboration | First musician to partner with the United Nations for mental health (2024) |
| Key Performances | White House (Diwali, 2024), Woodstock 50 Tribute |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | ₹2 crore INR |
| @rishabsmusic/ | |
| YouTube | @Rishabsmusic/ |
Meeting Pandit Ravi Shankar
In 2011, a young teenager named Rishab stood on stage at the India Islamic Cultural Centre in Delhi, his sitar gently cradled in his hands. Though only 13, he had already spent years learning and practicing the art of sitar from his father. That night, as the hall filled with the sound of his music, something extraordinary happened. Among the audience was none other than Pandit Ravi Shankar—India’s most celebrated sitar maestro and a global icon. It was a moment that would change Rishab’s life forever.
Ravi Shankar didn’t just watch passively. He recognized something rare in Rishab—sincerity, discipline, and a spark of creativity that couldn’t be taught. After the performance, he extended an invitation that felt like a dream: to become his disciple. It was more than an honor. To be chosen as the youngest and final disciple of Pandit Ravi Shankar wasn’t just a title—it was a responsibility.
Education & Musical Training
Before his move to the United States, Rishab studied at Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram—a school known for academic excellence and nurturing creative talent. He balanced music with studies, often performing in cultural events and local concerts. But even then, his mind was not limited to just Indian classical music. He was curious about global trends, western harmonies, and the science behind sound.
Rishab enrolled at Queens College, City University of New York, where he earned a dual degree in Music Production and Economics. His decision to pair music with economics was strategic. It gave him a broader understanding of how the music industry functions—how art meets business, how sound travels, and how music can reach hearts and markets alike.
Mental Health Advocacy: “Sitar for Mental Health”
In 2020, while the world grappled with isolation and anxiety brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Rishab found a new calling. He launched an initiative called “Sitar for Mental Health,” driven by a belief that music could be more than entertainment—it could be healing. The idea wasn’t theoretical. It was personal. Rishab had seen friends struggle, felt the impact of stress himself, and turned to his sitar for comfort.
Through workshops and performances, “Sitar for Mental Health” started reaching people across continents. Sessions weren’t just about listening. They were about engaging—letting audiences breathe, reflect, and feel safe. The sitar, with its soothing vibrations and calming tones, became a therapy tool. Audiences found it meditative and grounding. Rishab’s goal was to normalize conversations around mental health and offer a gentle, culturally rooted pathway to healing.
Global Recognition and Performances
Rishab’s career is marked by performances that reflect both artistic brilliance and cultural depth. One of his most talked-about events was his performance at the White House in Washington, D.C., during a Diwali celebration hosted by President Joe Biden. It was not just a performance. It was a statement that Indian classical music belonged on the world stage and could connect people across borders.
He also played at the Woodstock 50 reunion, an homage to Pandit Ravi Shankar’s historic 1969 performance at the original Woodstock. Standing in the same spirit, Rishab bridged generations. In addition to these landmark events, Rishab has collaborated with global lifestyle brands like ALDO and HSBC. He’s worked with musicians from Brazil, Canada, Japan, and the UK, blending sitar with pop, funk, and ambient soundscapes.
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Collaboration with the United Nations
In 2024, Rishab Sharma made history by becoming the first musician to officially partner with the United Nations for mental health advocacy. The announcement wasn’t about fame—it was about purpose. Through his initiative “Sitar for Mental Health,” Rishab had already proven that music could heal. This partnership gave him a global platform to take that mission further.
The collaboration included online concerts, awareness campaigns, and community outreach programs. Rishab offered free virtual performances focused on mindfulness, reaching diverse groups—students, healthcare workers, refugees, and trauma survivors. Each event was designed to reduce stress and promote inner peace using the gentle sounds of the sitar.
Career Highlights
Rishab’s music career is filled with milestones that reflect both tradition and innovation. One of his earliest achievements came in 2020 when he released “Raga Pancham Se Gara”—a tribute celebrating 100 years of Pandit Ravi Shankar. This piece was praised for its purity and emotional depth. Around the same time, he also composed “Cloud Sine,” “Theher Jaa Zara,” and other meditative works that gained attention on digital platforms.
In 2021, Rishab leaned into fusion and experimental music. Tracks like “Raanjhana,” “Chanakya,” “Tilak Kamod,” and “Tenu Vekhan Da” explored traditional sounds blended with folk, electronic, and lo-fi elements. The releases were part of his effort to connect with younger audiences who enjoy global music but are curious about classical roots.
Other Projects
The following years saw more bold projects. In 2022, he unveiled “Tumhi Dekho Naa,” “Roslyn,” “Tandavam,” “Bijli,” and a sitar version of “I Wanted to Leave.” These tracks combined nostalgia with innovation, earning praise for their cinematic feel. By 2023, tracks like “wyd tonight?” brought sitar into youth-oriented conversations, and in 2024, pieces like “Text Me When You Reach,” “Shankara,” and “Raga Puriya Kalyan” showed his depth and maturity.
He’s also performed at elite venues and cultural events worldwide. Besides the White House Diwali celebration and Woodstock tribute, his appearances at meditation centers, music festivals, and mental health conferences have solidified his reputation as an artist with soul and purpose.
Physical Appearance
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm), Rishab carries himself with quiet confidence. He maintains an athletic build, weighing around 68 kg (150 lbs). His brown eyes often reflect calm focus, and his black hair—usually styled simply—complements his understated demeanor.
He doesn’t rely on flashy clothes or accessories. On stage, he typically wears traditional Indian attire, often in neutral or earthy tones. Offstage, his style leans toward relaxed, contemporary fashion with a clean aesthetic. In photo shoots and public appearances, Rishab allows his personality to take center stage rather than dramatic presentation.
Net Worth and Financial Footprint
As of January 2025, Rishab Sharma’s estimated net worth is ₹2 crore INR (approximately $240,000 USD). While this figure may appear modest compared to global pop stars, it reflects a steady and purposeful rise, shaped by his commitment to niche genres, cultural engagement, and ethical practice.
His income streams include live performances, brand collaborations, digital music royalties, and wellness workshops. His partnership with brands like ALDO and HSBC, though rare for classical musicians, was centered around art and healing, not commerce. Additionally, online streaming of his music through platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music has grown significantly since 2022, especially among meditation and fusion music listeners.
Legacy and Impact
Rishab’s legacy continues to take shape, but even now, it is rich and rare. He’s one of the few artists who have managed to fuse ancient tradition with global accessibility, all while remaining true to his values. His sitar is not locked in temples or music schools—it is mobile, modern, and mindful.
He has helped position Indian classical music on international platforms without compromising its spirit. At Woodstock and the White House, at yoga retreats and mental health conferences, his music has spoken across borders and ideologies. He represents a generation of artists who see music not just as sound, but as service.
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