Sitar Virtuoso to Bring ‘Sitar for Mental Health’ Project to Mauritius

Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, the sitar prodigy, is set to perform a concert at the Swami Vivekananda International Convention Centre (SVICC) on February 28, 2026, as part of his global “Sitar for Mental Health” initiative.

The event, organised by GravityXero and Ticketbox.mu, has been described by organisers as an “unprecedented” musical event for the island nation, promising a “rare immersion” into the artist’s world, which combines musical virtuosity with a commitment to mental well-being.

Public Demand and Preparations

The announcement has already generated considerable excitement online, with social media reactions showing public eagerness for the “singular” artist’s arrival.

According to Ajay Deora, CEO of GravityXero, the concert “clearly responds to popular demand and is addressed to the entire Mauritian population.”

Mr. Deora emphasised the significance of the event, stating: “This is a concert requested by the public and for the general population. It’s the very first sitar concert in Mauritius by an artist of this calibre.”

He hailed Sharma as an artist who “has changed the way the world listens to music in all countries.”

The organising team is reportedly planning an ambitious scenography, incorporating visual and lighting installations to create an “immersive and refined experience” for the audience.

Tickets for the highly anticipated concert will go on sale starting Monday, November 17, on ticketbox.mu.

Global Achievements and Legacy

Sharma, born into the renowned Rikhi Ram luthier family of Delhi, began his sitar journey at the age of ten. He quickly became a devoted sitarist and passionate music producer, blending his family’s heritage with a contemporary approach.

His career highlights include:

• First Sitarist at the White House: He was the first sitarist invited to perform a solo at the White House for Diwali celebrations, at the invitation of President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and Vice-President Kamala Harris.
• Stadium Solo: He is the only sitarist of his generation to have played a solo set before an audience of 60,000 people at the NRG Stadium in Houston, with over 500 million television viewers watching from home.
• Woodstock Tribute: He performed at the Woodstock 50 Reunion, a tribute to Pandit Ravi Shankar’s legendary 1969 festival performance.

The “Sitar for Mental Health” project, which champions well-being through music therapy, has already seen significant success across India, the United States, Canada, and South America. His live performances on Instagram and Clubhouse regularly attract millions of views.

A Sitarist with a Mission

Sharma’s musical education is as distinguished as his performance history. His first master was his father, the master luthier Sanjay Sharma (Rikhi Ram).

After his stage debut in 2011, he was taken under the wing of the late Pandit Ravi Shankar as his youngest disciple.

Following Ravi Shankar’s passing, Sharma continued his training with Pandit Parimal Sadaphal and also benefitted from the teaching of giants like Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Ustad Rais Khan, and Pandit Arun Bharatram.

Beyond his training, Sharma completed a double degree in Music Production and Economics in New York after moving there at age 17, which allowed him to develop a deep, yet accessible, hybrid style.

The artist is a dedicated mental health advocate, having personally experienced anxiety and depression.

He views music as a tool for healing. In 2020, he founded the “Sitar for Mental Health” initiative, offering free online music therapy sessions and collaborating with mental health experts to integrate music, breathing, and emotional connection.

His objective is to “transmit universal messages through the elegant vibrations of his sitar and his soothing voice,” creating music that touches the soul.

Source: l’Express