Esquire India's Digital Cover Star Rishab Rikhiram Sharma Is Rewriting The Rules

There are prodigies, and then there are pioneers. Rishab Rikhiram Sharma somehow manages to be both.

Born into music but never boxed in by it, Rishab was quite literally raised on strings and soundscapes. Born into the world-renowned, Rikhi Ram family of luthiers from Delhi, he had the sitar in his hands probably before he could spell ‘raga’.

By ten, he was learning the nuances of the instrument under his father, Sanjay Sharma. By thirteen, he was performing on stage. And by then, he had caught the attention of the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar, who took him on as his youngest—and final—disciple. That kind of pedigree could have easily made him another stoic torchbearer of gharana-bound classical purity. But Rishab? He chose reinvention.

As the youngest and final disciple of sitar legend Pandit Ravi Shankar, Rishab has inherited a spiritual legacy. But he’s not weighed down by it. He’s honouring it—while also remixing it, reframing it, and making it relatable for a new generation. Whether he’s riffing on a techno loop or delivering an emotionally raw solo in Raag Bihag, there’s always intent, precision, and something deeply personal behind each note.

It’s not often that classical musicians feel like pop stars. But Rishab does.

He’s performed solo for 60,000 people at the NRG Stadium in Houston and played for President Joe Biden at the White House Diwali celebration. He’s done deep dives into raags and rapped over reels, jammed at Woodstock’s 50th anniversary and built a global audience of Gen-Z fans on Instagram. His videos clock millions, but it’s the intent that’s louder than the views.

Rishab believes music can heal—and he’s living proof. After battling anxiety and depression, he channelled his grief into his art, birthing the ‘Sitar For Mental Health’ initiative in 2020. What started as a personal coping mechanism is now a movement—fusing ancient vibrations with modern mindfulness, bringing music therapy to thousands across borders. And he’s only getting started.

Rishab’s journey from Delhi to New York, from anxiety to advocacy, from tradition to experimentation, hasn’t been linear—but it’s been powerful. He’s battled stereotypes (“you should stick to making instruments”) and grief (the early loss of his guru) with grace, persistence, and a whole lot of self-belief. And in doing so, he’s built a sound that’s not just fresh, but fearless.

Rishab Rikhiram Sharma is the perfect Esquire India digital cover star—ambitious, grounded, stylish, and profoundly original. In an age of algorithm-driven music, he’s proof that craftsmanship still counts. That legacy can be reimagined. That cool doesn’t have to be loud. And that healing—like music—can be both ancient and immediate.

We hope you enjoy the cover shoot and images – it’ll all be unveiled soon.

Credits

Chairperson: Avarna Jain

COO: Jamal Shaikh

Editor: Rahul Gangwani

Words, Styling and Creative Direction: Vijendra Bhardwaj

Photography: Charudutt Chitrak

Editorial Mentor: Saira Menezes

Managing Editor: Sonal Nerurkar

Deputy Editor: Mayukh Majumdar (@mayuxkh)

Digital Cover by: Siddharth Singh Bokolia

Grooming: Aryan Sharma Affinity Salon

Chief Assistant Stylist: Mehak Khanna

Bookings Editor: Varun Shah

Production: VG Creatives

Sr. Social Media Executive: Riti Ghai

Artist Reputation Management: Communiqué PR

To read more stories from Esquire India's May-June 2025 issue, pick up a copy of the magazine from your nearest newspaper stand or bookstore. Or click here to subscribe to the magazine.