In this episode of AfterHours with All About Eve, host Bani Anand engages in a conversation with sitar maestro Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, whose music is capturing the attention of YouTube and Instagram audiences around the world. Bani recalls how their friendship began after discovering Rishab’s viral Zara Zara reel, which led to his stunning rendition of O Ri Chiraiya for All About Eve in 2020, making this episode a full-circle moment in their connection.

Bani reflects on how a childhood video of Rishab playing the sitar left her in awe, sparking the question: What inspired him to choose the sitar?

Rishab Rikhiram Sharma shares his journey from being a guitarist to falling in love with the sitar, captivated by its unique sound and versatility. He discusses how Indian classical music has often been overshadowed by Western culture and bonds with Bani over their shared experiences, both hoping to preserve this art form for future generations.

In the podcast, Rishab opens up about his eclectic personal style, which includes henna tattoos, diamond-studded teeth, and hip-hop energy, all of which reflect his distinctive identity and musical flair. He also discusses his deep connection with his fans, revealing how his music has helped many cope with loss and mental health struggles.

Speaking about his unique Sitar for Mental Health initiative, Rishab explains that the loss of his grandfather in 2020 pushed him to rediscover his passion for music, using the sitar as a tool for healing. He describes how, with the support of new friends from Clubhouse, he began to learn more about mental health, sought therapy, and returned to music. Rishab Rikhiram Sharma's sessions evolved into Sitar for Mental Health, a platform for both music and personal stories of loss and healing.

Rishab also recounts how Pandit Ravi Shankar selected him as his student after a video of him playing the sitar reached the legendary musician. This led to a life-changing moment when Pandit Ravi Shankar invited him to perform and offered to be his Guru.

Bani asks Rishab to share memorable stories about Pandit Ravi Shankar, and he recalls his guru's playful humour and disciplined teaching style. Rishab reflects on the life lessons he learned from Panditji, both during rehearsals and more casual moments.

Rishab Rikhiram Sharma opens up about how he unwinds after the pressures of touring, sharing his emotional struggles with depression, and how he copes through therapy, creating music, and relaxation. He finds peace in Devprayag, a place that deeply soothes him. The interview concludes with a soul-stirring performance of Shankara.

(00:00) Episode begins

(02:50) Rishab Rikhiram Sharma talks about his journey from the guitar to the sitar

(04:24) Why did Rishab Rikhiram Sharma choose the sitar?

(08:26) How does he make classical music look so cool?

(10:45) Story behind Rishab Rikhiram Sharma's mehendi tattoos

(12:35) On his female fanbase

(13:44) How Rishab responds to messages he receives from his fans

(14:54) Origin of Sitar for Mental Health

(17:27) How Clubhouse helped Rishab with his mental health

(20:01) Evolution of Sitar for Mental Health

(23:30) How Rishab Rikhiram Sharma became the youngest disciple of Pandit Ravi Shankar

(28:50) Stories about Pandit Ravi Shankar

(31:45) His musical approach

(34:34) His experience with teaching classical music

(35:04) Has Rishab Sharma ever been in love?

(36:17) His perspectives on love and relationships

(38:04) Rishab's relationship with his mother

(39:26) How his mother taught him 'Shiv Kailasho Ke Vasi'

(40:32) Rishab's relationship with his father, Sanjay Rikhiram Sharma

(43:43) Rishab's Shiva connection

(46:07) Humbling experience in Nepal

(48:26) How does Rishab unwind AfterHours?

(50:18) Rishab Rikhiram Sharma performs Shankara

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