For Grammy-nominated santoor virtuoso Rahul Sharma, music transcends mere performance, representing a profound spiritual journey. During a recent visit to Bengaluru for the Uttar Dakshin concert, he shared his insights with Bangalore Times, reflecting on his lifelong bond with the instrument, its remarkable evolution, and a city that has embraced his art for more than two decades.
From Kashmiri Roots to International Prestige
Rahul Sharma views the santoor not just as an instrument but as a vibrant, living tradition. He credits his father, the legendary Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, with pioneering the santoor's place in Hindustani classical music decades ago. With over 30 years of international performances, Rahul has carried the santoor's melody from the serene valleys of Kashmir to the world's most iconic venues.
He has graced stages like the Sydney Opera House, London’s Barbican Centre, and the Cape Town Philharmonic. What captivates him is the universal language of instrumental music. "You don't need a common spoken language to connect with it," he explains. "The emotion, the tension, and the release within a raga are felt directly, speaking straight to the listener's heart."
Expanding Boundaries While Honouring the Core
A significant part of Rahul Sharma's mission has been to take the santoor beyond its conventional confines. His career is marked by innovative collaborations with jazz musicians, symphony orchestras, and experiments in electronic and fusion music. Each project has deliberately stretched the instrument's expressive capabilities.
"However, I have always been meticulous about preserving its classical soul," he asserts. "The santoor's purity and its deep-rooted connection to Hindustani ragas remain the central axis of all my work. These cross-genre explorations serve to introduce the santoor to fresh audiences while ensuring its timeless essence stays completely intact."
A Lifelong Commitment to Discipline and Creativity
Rahul Sharma emphasizes that Indian classical music demands a lifetime of dedication. "You must fully immerse yourself in the ragas, comprehend their subtle nuances, and devote yourself entirely to the craft," he states. Yet, he equally advocates for creative courage. "Do not hesitate to explore new possibilities. It is the combination of discipline, devotion, and creativity that propels the art form forward. This is how we truly honour tradition and guarantee the music flourishes for generations to come."
Bengaluru: A City of Curious and Warm Audiences
Rahul Sharma holds a special affection for Bengaluru, a city he has revisited consistently for over 20 years. He finds the local audiences uniquely engaging. "The listeners in Bengaluru are incredibly curious and attentive," he observes. "They bring a genuine warmth, energy, and deep appreciation to every performance. I've witnessed people come for one style of music and gradually develop an openness to others, which is immensely rewarding."
He applauds the city's growth into a cosmopolitan hub where traditional values and contemporary sensibilities coexist harmoniously, creating a perfect environment for artistic exchange.
