Rishab Rikhiram Sharma On Pt Ravi Shankar’s Teachings, Mahadev Devotion & Story of Chanakya

In this deeply personal episode of The Bombay Journey, we sit down with sitar virtuoso Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, the legacy bearer of the iconic Rikhiram Musical Instruments family that once migrated from Lahore and went on to craft instruments for India’s greatest classical maestros. But here’s the twist: Rishab is the first musician in his business family. From learning under the legendary Ravi Shankar to navigating the crushing grief of losing his grandfather, Rishab opens up about battling depression, finding faith as a devoted Shiv bhakt, and how music became both his escape and his anchor. He talks about: Growing up in a family known for crafting instruments, not playing them The unexpected incentive that pushed him toward music (yes, an AC room in school 😅) Experiencing reverse racism in New York and being called “gori chamdi” His skincare routine reveal 👀 Performing “Chanakya” live and the powerful story behind the title Mumbai vs American slangs This is not just a conversation about music. It’s about legacy, loss, faith, identity, and rewriting your family’s narrative. Watch till the end for a soul-stirring live performance you won’t forget. 🎶 00:00 Upcoming Conversations 1:20 - Welcoming Rishab Rikhiram Sharma on The Bombay Journey 2:40 - The Power of Music and Gut Feeling 5:03 - School Days and Music in an Air-Conditioned Basement 7:45 - Dealing with Bullying and Reverse Racism in New York 8:50 - The Rikhiram Legacy: Instrument Makers to Performers 11:52 - Childhood: Dancing, Music, and Family Motivation 13:14 - Challenges of a Musician's Career and Family Business 15:08 - Custom Instrument Making at Rikhiram Musical Instruments 16:09 - Delhi Food Spots and Unusual Food Combinations 17:20 - Receiving Fan Attention and Playing for Love 18:41 - Navigating Originals vs. Covers and Audience Requests 19:20 - Challenges of Being a New Age Artist: Government Support & Mental Health 21:46 - The Journey to New York: Green Card and Special Category Visa 22:52 - Academic Journey: From Finance to Music Production 24:28 - The Global Appeal of “Chanakya" and Tarana System 29:56 -The Evolution of Rap Culture and Experimentation 31:22 - Rishab’s Guru, Pandit Ravi Shankar: Strictness and Magical Moments 33:55 - Beetles Connection: Rikhiram Instruments and The Beatles in India 43:01 - Battling Depression and Finding Healing Through Music and Workout 50:48 - Connecting with Fans and "Mental Health Thursdays" 52:14 - Outro Mashable Across The Web Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mashableindia/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MashableIndia Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mashable.india/ Subscribe for Latest Videos: https://bit.ly/2QIlhxZ Mashable India is for superfans. We're not for the casually curious. Obsess with us as we start exploring India. (rishabh rikhiram sharma, rishabh rikhiram sharma interview, rishabh rikhiram sharma bombay journey, rishabh rikhiram sharma podcast, rishabh rikhiram sharma sitar, rishabh rikhiram sharma chanakya, chanakya rishabh rikhiram, chanakya live performance, rishabh rikhiram live, rishabh rikhiram ravi shankar, ravi shankar disciple, rikhiram instruments, rikhiram musical instruments delhi, indian classical music, sitar performance live, indian sitar player, young sitar maestro, shiv bhakt musician, music and mental health, musician depression story, grief and healing through music, grandfather legacy story, lahore to delhi legacy, new york racism experience, reverse racism story, gori chamdi experience, indian musician in new york, skincare routine male celebrity, classical music podcast india, indian classical instrumental, guru shishya parampara, bombay journey episode, celebrity spiritual journey, chanakya meaning song, story behind chanakya, rishabh rikhiram childhood, indian classical music prodigy, spiritual music india, meditation music sitar, live indian classical music, indian music legacy family)