Karnataka CM Attends Rishab Rikhiram Sharma’s Concert in Bengaluru

Leading sitarist and neo-classical musician Rishab Rikhiram Sharma enthralled a 15,000-strong Bengaluru audience at the District Arena Terraform with a two-hour performance that blended the Indian classical tradition with contemporary soundscapes. The concert marked the launch of the 10-city Sitar for Mental Health India Tour 2026.

The evening, which was also attended by former Chief Minister of Karnataka BS Yediyurappa, began with a short guided breathing exercise led by Rishab on tanpura, setting a reflective tone for the concert. He then performed evocative renditions of Raga Bihaag and Kedar, Raag Tilak Kamod and Raag Shyam Kalyan, transforming the two into Raag Tilak Shyam.

Adding a futuristic dimension, Rishab introduced India’s first LED Sitar called ‘SITARA – New Generation Electric Sitar’, created in collaboration with his father, master luthier Sanjay Sharma, a descendant of the famous Rikhi Ram sitar-making lineage. Illuminated in tune with the raagas, the instrument blends tradition with innovation, offering audiences a visually immersive way to experience this ancient art in a contemporary, relatable format.

Rishab’s extensive set list covered his signature compositions like Shankara, Shiv Kailash, Burning Ghat, Roslyn and classical and contemporary influences like Harry Potter The concert concluded with Chanakya, Kautilya and Rishab’s powerful rendition of Shiv Tandav Stotram, Tandavam, and the venue resounded with a huge standing ovation.

Beyond his immersive musical experience, he displayed stunning showmanship on stage by donning his signature mehendi Rishab. She wore a custom ensemble by designer Madhurya, who is known for her unique sense of style: a structured emerald Mysore silk and Kanjivaram jacket with zari embroidery, layered over an ivory Chanderi ghera kurta and paired with a fluid Mysore silk dhoti complemented by a crimson shawl featuring Nandi bull motifs that pay homage to the cultural heritage of Karnataka.

The Bengaluru show kicked off with a 10-city tour by Team Innovation and District by Zomato, which will continue in India with Mumbai (March 20), Pune (March 22), Hyderabad (March 27), Jaipur (March 29), Chennai (April 3), Ahmedabad (April 5), Chandigarh (April 10), Kolkata (April 12) and then culminate in New York. Delhi on April 19. The tour highlights the therapeutic and meditative power of Indian classical music by combining sound, mindfulness and emotional connection for audiences of all ages.

With his impressive sitar artistry, dedication and innovative approach, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma continues to redefine Indian classical music on a global stage, transforming each performance into an immersive journey of sound, emotion and healing.