Acclaimed sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma is set to represent India at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games 2026 on August 2, performing a neo-classical set at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland. Calling it a proud moment, the musician admits the magnitude of the opportunity is still sinking in.
“I haven’t been able to fully process it yet, to represent the country through an instrument that has been a part of my life and our culture.” he admits. “To represent India during such a historic moment, incredibly feels special, but it also comes with a great sense of responsibility.”
For Sharma, the connect CWG this year is personal, “The Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010 remain one of my most vivid childhood memories,” he recalls.”I remember the entire city lighting up and the pride everyone felt as India welcomed countries and territories from across the Commonwealth. What makes this moment even more personal is that our family’s musical instrument store in Gole Market was one of the official stores for the Games that year; it was listed as a place for guests to visit and shop .”
Sharma’s performance will feature two distinct compositions, he reveals, “Chanakya and Tandavam, each piece brings a powerful, specialised energy to the stage. “Chanakya channels Veer Rasa, the emotion of courage and valour,” he explains. “That is an emotion every athlete carries when stepping onto the field, but I believe musicians experience it as well when we step onto the stage.”
The performance also promises a few surprises. “It is the first time I will be incorporating choreography into my performance, so that is something completely new for me,” he laughs. “I am very excited and grateful to be collaborating with Shiamak Davar sir on that. I suppose you could also call this the soft launch of my very subtle dancing career, so let us see where that goes!”
{{/usCountry}}The performance also promises a few surprises. “It is the first time I will be incorporating choreography into my performance, so that is something completely new for me,” he laughs. “I am very excited and grateful to be collaborating with Shiamak Davar sir on that. I suppose you could also call this the soft launch of my very subtle dancing career, so let us see where that goes!”
{{/usCountry}}To round out the spectacle, Sharma is looking forward to a unique international synergy. “We are also really excited to collaborate with Scottish music legend Ross Ainslie,” he adds. “Bringing the sitar and Scottish pipes together makes this a very special India–Scotland collaboration and adds another meaningful layer to the performance.”
Performing at a ceremony differs much from his concerts. “When I perform a concert, I am sharing my own music and having a personal conversation with the audience,” he says. “This feels different because I am part of a much larger moment. I am not only performing as an individual artist; I am representing India, the sitar, and a musical tradition that is much bigger than me.”