Rishab Rikhiram Sharma Biography: Age, Early life, Careers, Profession popularity, Wife, Family, Net Worth, Latest News & More

Rishab Rikhiram Sharma is a 25-year-old Indian sitar virtuoso, composer, music producer, and passionate mental health advocate. Born on September 17, 1998, in Delhi, he hails from the renowned Rikhi Ram family, famous for crafting musical instruments. His early exposure to music came from his father, Sanjay Rikhiram Sharma, a master luthier, who introduced him to the sitar at the age of 10. Rishab’s musical journey was significantly influenced by his training under the legendary sitar maestro, Ravi Shankar, who became his mentor after seeing Rishab’s performance at the India Islamic Cultural Centre in Delhi in 2011. Under Shankar’s tutelage, Rishab honed his craft, blending traditional Indian classical music with contemporary sounds.

Rishab Rikhiram Sharma Biography

Rishab is also a trailblazer in advocating for mental health, founding the “Sitar for Mental Health” initiative in 2020, which uses the therapeutic power of music to support mental wellness. His efforts have earned him global recognition, with performances at high-profile events such as the 2022 Diwali celebration at the White House, where he became the first sitarist to perform solo. Rishab has also toured worldwide, including in India, the U.S., Canada, and South America, reaching hundreds of thousands through his live performances and social media platforms. His fusion of traditional Indian music with modern genres, along with his mental health advocacy, has made him a rising star in both the music and social impact spaces.

Rishab Rikhiram Sharma Biography Details

Rishab Rikhiram Sharma Physical Appearance

Family and Relatives

Personal Life and Family

Rishab’s family has been instrumental in shaping his musical journey. His mother, Manjul Sharma, and father, Sanjay Sharma, both musicians, provided a nurturing environment that fostered his early interest in music.

Early Life and Education

Sharma holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of California, Berkeley. He has held teaching positions at prestigious universities in both India and the United States, including the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and visiting faculty positions at the University of Melbourne and the University of Twente.

Growing up amidst the rich musical heritage of the Rikhi Ram family, Rishab’s early exposure to musical instruments was profound. His father, a master luthier, emphasized discipline and respect for the sitar, often restricting Rishab’s access to the instrument until he demonstrated the necessary reverence. This upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for the sitar’s cultural significance.

At 17, Rishab moved to New York City to pursue a dual degree in Music Production and Economics at Queens College, City University of New York. This academic journey allowed him to blend traditional Indian music with contemporary styles, broadening his artistic horizons.

Research and Publications

Sharma’s research focuses on agricultural economics, particularly farm policy, international trade, and food security. He has published extensively in top academic journals and edited several books on these topics. His research has significantly contributed to the field of agricultural economics and has informed policy discussions at national and international levels.

Literary Contributions

Beyond his academic work, Sharma is also an accomplished author. He has written several books and articles on Indian philosophy, history, and culture, exploring the rich traditions of his homeland and sharing his insights with a global audience. His literary work has received critical acclaim and has been translated into several languages.

Career and Achievements

Rishab’s musical prowess garnered attention early in his career. In 2011, his performance at Delhi’s India Islamic Cultural Centre caught the eye of the legendary sitar maestro, Pandit Ravi Shankar, who became his mentor. Under Shankar’s guidance, Rishab honed his skills, becoming the youngest and final disciple of the maestro.

His innovative approach to classical Indian music led to several notable performances. In 2022, he made history as the first sitarist to perform solo at the White House during a Diwali event hosted by President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Additionally, he performed at the Woodstock 50 Reunion, paying tribute to Pandit Ravi Shankar’s original performance.

Mental Health Advocacy

Beyond his musical endeavors, Rishab is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness. In 2020, he founded the “Sitar for Mental Health” initiative, aiming to promote mental wellness through music therapy. This project has taken him on tours across India, the United States, Canada, and South America, performing for audiences of over 60,000 at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, and reaching more than 500 million viewers worldwide.

In June 2024, Rishab became the first musician to collaborate with the United Nations for mental health advocacy, representing India at the “We The Future: Reimagining the Future of Global Mental Health” summit.

Favorite Things

Rishab Rikhiram Sharma Net Worth

While specific figures regarding Rishab’s net worth are not publicly disclosed, his diverse career—spanning performances, music production, and advocacy—suggests a substantial financial standing.

Social Media Presence

Rishab actively engages with his audience through various social media platforms. He has over 270,000 followers on Instagram, where he shares his musical endeavors and mental health advocacy efforts.

Through his multifaceted career and advocacy, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma continues to bridge the gap between traditional Indian music and contemporary global audiences, all while championing the transformative power of music for mental well-being.

Rishab Rikhiram Sharma Social Media Accounts