Grammy-nominated santoor maestro Rahul Sharma believes music is more than performance; it is a spiritual journey. Speaking to Bangalore Times while in the city for the Uttar Dakshin concert, he reflects on his lifelong relationship with the santoor, its evolution, and a city that has welcomed him for over two dec ades. FROM KASHMIR TO GLOBAL CONCERTS For Rahul, the santoor is not merely an instrument but a living tradition. “My father, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, introduced the santoor to Hindustani classical music decades ago,” he says. “I’ve been performing internationally for over 30 years, and the santoor has travelled from the valleys of Kashmir to some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls, including the Sydney Opera House, London’s Barbican Centre and the Cape Town Philharmonic.” What continues to fascinate him is its universality. “You don’t need to speak the same language to connect with instrumental music. You can feel the emotion, the tension and the release of a raga without words. It speaks directly to the listener’s heart,” he says. “Throughout my career, I’ve tried to take the san toor beyond its traditional boundaries,” says Rahul. From collaborations with jazz musicians and symphony orchestras to experiments with electronic and fusion music, each exploration has expanded the instrument’s expressive range. “That said, I’ve always been careful to preserve its classical core. The purity of the santoor and its deep connection to Hindustani ragas remain central to everything I do. These collaborations help introduce the instrument to new audiences while keeping its timeless spirit intact,” he explains. ‘DISCIPLINE, DEVOTION AND CREATIVITY TOGETHER HELP CARRY THE ART FORWARD’ “Indian classical music is a lifetime commitment,” he says. “You must immerse yourself in the ragas, understand their nuances and dedicate yourself fully to the craft. At the same time, don’t be afraid to explore new possibilities. Discipline, devotion and creativity together help carry the art forward. That’s how you honour tradition and ensure the music continues to thrive for future generations.”
Indian classical music is a lifetime Indian classical music is a lifetime commitment. You have to immerse yourself commitment. You have to immerse yourself in the ragas and dedicate yourself fully to the craft
Rahul Sharma
‘The audience in Bengaluru is incredibly curious’ Rahul Sharma has returned to Bengaluru repeatedly over the past 20 years, and the city holds a special place in his heart. “Audiences here are deeply curious and attentive. They bring warmth, energy and genuine appreciation to every performance. I’ve seen listeners come for one style of music and gradually open up to others, which is always rewarding. Bengaluru has evolved into a truly cosmopolitan city where tradition and contemporary sensibilities coexist beautifully,” he says.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source timesofindia.indiatimes.com ’
