Mumbai witnessed a historic evening of music as Rishab Rikhiram Sharma performed to an audience of over 20,000 at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse—marking the city’s largest-ever classical music concert. Following a successful opening in Bengaluru, the Mumbai leg of his Sitar for Mental Health India Tour 2026, produced by Team Innovation and District by Zomato, delivered a powerful blend of tradition and modernity.
The event attracted an impressive guest list, including Mika Singh, Raj Shamani, Deepika Padukone, Mrunal Thakur, Tara Sutaria, Soha Ali Khan, Jasleen Royal, Samay Raina, and Kumar Mangalam Birla, among others.
The evening began with a calming guided breathing exercise led by Rishab, setting a reflective tone. He then performed a rich repertoire of ragas including Bihaag and Kedar, Tilak Kamod and Shyam Kalyan, seamlessly weaving them into the evocative Raag Tilak Shyam. Sharing a personal milestone, he reflected on his journey—from performing for just 100 people in a basement to commanding a massive audience in Mumbai. During the performance, he also stepped into the crowd, creating a more intimate and inclusive experience.
A key highlight of the concert was the unveiling of SITARA – The Next-Generation Electric Sitar, developed in collaboration with his father, master luthier Sanjay Sharma of the Rikhi Ram lineage. The LED-enabled instrument lit up in sync with the music, adding a visually immersive dimension to the performance and drawing an enthusiastic response from the audience.
The setlist showcased Rishab’s signature fusion style, featuring original compositions like Shankara, Shiv Kailash, Burning Ghat, and Roslyn, alongside sitar interpretations of popular pieces such as Harry Potter x Game of Thrones, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Zara Zara, and Tumhi Dekho Naa. He also performed his Himachali folk single Belua. The concert concluded with powerful renditions of Chanakya, Kautilya, and Tandavam, with his interpretation of the Shiv Tandav Stotram earning a standing ovation. He also sampled a new composition, Venkateswara, as an ode to Lord Krishna.
Blending spirituality with innovation, Rishab continues to redefine how Indian classical music is experienced by modern audiences. His stage presence was enhanced by UV mehendi art by Shantanu Hazarika and a custom ensemble by Shantanu & Nikhil, inspired by Michael Jackson’s iconic military jacket style.
To ensure accessibility, organisers arranged special shuttle services for senior citizens, reinforcing the inclusive nature of the event.
The 10-city tour will now travel to Pune, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Kolkata, before concluding in New Delhi this April—continuing its mission to make classical music more accessible, immersive, and relevant for a new generation.
