Renowned sitar player Rishab Rikhiram Sharma brought a powerful fusion of music and healing to Hyderabad on May 4 with his unique show, “Sitar for Mental Health.” The event was completely sold out, and the crowd was treated to an unforgettable night of soulful melodies and emotional depth.
Though the concert faced last-minute challenges, including a sudden venue change and management delays, Rishab handled it all with calm and grace. As soon as he struck the first note, the audience was captivated.
The evening began with traditional Indian ragas like Dhrupad and Desh, creating a peaceful and meditative atmosphere. The sounds of the sitar flowed through the venue, offering a deeply immersive experience that connected listeners with the spiritual roots of Indian classical music.
As the performance unfolded, Rishab shifted to devotional music, delivering a heartfelt version of his viral hit “Shiv Kailasho Ke Vasi.” The song stirred raw emotion in the crowd, leaving many visibly moved.
One of the night’s standout highlights was an impromptu jugalbandi — a musical duet — with a team of skilled musicians from Rajasthan, Delhi, and other parts of India. Together, they created a rich blend of tabla, percussion, shehnai, flute, and guitar. Their chemistry on stage was electric, combining ancient sounds with modern rhythms.
But Rishab didn’t stop at tradition. In a surprising twist, he played the theme songs of Harry Potter and Game of Thrones on the sitar. The crowd cheered in amazement as he showcased the instrument’s ability to adapt to global genres.
He also performed beloved Bollywood tunes like “Kal Ho Naa Ho” and “Diya Jale Jaan Jale,” blending nostalgia with innovation. These moments brought smiles and tears, touching every corner of the audience’s hearts.
A special surprise came when Rishab played a yet-to-be-released track inspired by Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi. Though unheard before, the audience instantly connected with its haunting beauty. Their thunderous applause said it all—this upcoming release is already a favorite.
To end the night, Rishab performed the powerful “Shiv Tandav Stotram.” The sacred chant filled the hall with divine energy, a fitting close to a deeply spiritual evening.
Between performances, Rishab shared his personal struggles with anxiety and depression, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. He spoke openly, saying, “Mental health struggles are as common as the cold.” His honesty touched many, making the concert not just a musical journey, but an emotional one too.
He also honored his father, who was present at the event, thanking him for being a constant source of support and an advocate for mental health awareness.
What could have been just another concert became something much more. For two hours, the audience forgot their worries. The music didn’t just entertain—it healed.
Rishab Rikhiram Sharma’s Hyderabad performance proved that music can be more than sound. It can be a bridge between tradition and today, between emotion and expression. It can be therapy.
