Rishab Rikhiram Sharma to Launch Groundbreaking LED Electric Sitar on India Tour
Neo-classical musician and sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma is poised to unveil a revolutionary instrument during the Indian segment of his upcoming Sitar for Mental Health Tour 2026. This pioneering creation, named 'SITARA – The Next-Generation Electric Sitar', represents the first of its kind in the country and is set to redefine the sitar's role in contemporary music.
A Modern Vision Crafted by Master Luthier Sanjay Sharma
The instrument has been meticulously envisioned and crafted by master luthier Sanjay Sharma, signaling a bold new direction in the evolution of the sitar. Conceived as a modern reinterpretation of the classical instrument, SITARA builds upon a rich legacy of innovation from Rikhi Ram's Music, led by Sanjay and Manjul Sharma.
Earlier experimental designs, such as the Rik-E-Sitar and Studio Sitar, laid the essential groundwork. This latest version integrates advanced sound engineering, enhanced portability, and striking visual elements—all while preserving the tonal depth and richness associated with the traditional sitar.
Bridging Tradition and Contemporary Performance
Sanjay Sharma shared the core idea behind SITARA, explaining that it was developed to empower sitarists to seamlessly enter contemporary musical environments, which are often dominated by electric guitars. The primary goal is to enable artists to perform modern compositions across diverse genres—including Bollywood, fusion, and world music—without abandoning their primary instrument.
While the acoustic sitar remains central to classical traditions, this innovative version opens up exciting new avenues for crossover and experimentation, positioning the instrument within newer performance spaces from film music to global live productions.
Key Features of the Revolutionary SITARA
One of the defining characteristics of SITARA is its ergonomic and travel-friendly design. Unlike the traditional sitar, it is lightweight and allows musicians to perform while standing, making it highly adaptable to contemporary stage setups.
Built with touring artists in mind, the instrument includes:
- A collapsible hand-rest frame for easy transport
- A custom active pickup system with volume and tone controls
- The ability to run through amplifiers and processors while retaining its signature sound
Adding a captivating visual layer to performances is an integrated LED interface, featuring over 140 lights that synchronize with the music. Developed after Sharma's previous India tour in 2024, this lighting system enhances the live experience by adapting to the mood and flow of each set—effectively blending sound with visual storytelling in real time.
Practical Solutions for Modern Musicians
SITARA also addresses practical challenges faced by musicians on the move. With silent-practice capability, artists can rehearse through amplification without the acoustic projection of a traditional sitar, making it easier to practice and travel without constraints.
This innovation continues the century-old legacy of Rikhi Ram's Music, an institution founded in 1920 that has been behind several iconic innovations in Indian instruments, including creations associated with the legendary Ravi Shankar.
Expanding Possibilities Without Replacing Tradition
The intent behind SITARA is not to replace tradition but to expand its possibilities. This allows the sitar to move fluidly across genres—from classical ragas to blues, rock, and experimental fusion—while maintaining its cultural roots.
Sitar for Mental Health Tour 2026: India Itinerary
Following a successful international run across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and the United Kingdom, Sharma will bring his Sitar for Mental Health Tour 2026 to 10 Indian cities between March and April. The tour will travel through:
- Bengaluru
- Mumbai
- Pune
- Hyderabad
- Chennai
- Jaipur
- Ahmedabad
- Chandigarh
- Kolkata
- New Delhi
These performances are expected to draw large audiences for shows that blend music with themes of mindfulness and emotional wellbeing.
A Unique Intersection of Music and Mental Health
Arriving at a time when conversations around mental health and immersive live experiences are gaining significant momentum, the tour places Sharma's work at a unique intersection. Here, classical tradition meets contemporary culture, and music becomes a powerful medium for reflection, connection, and healing.
