Rishab Rikhiram Sharma’s Heartfelt Sitar Tribute to Asha Bhosle in Kolkata – ‘Abhi Na Jao’ Stuns Crowd

Asha Bhosle’s untimely demise shakes the nation; Rishab Rikhiram Sharma steps in with a moving sitar homage

When news broke about Asha Bhosle’s passing, it felt like the entire country went silent for a moment. In the latest news India, every outlet was buzzing with breaking news, and social media exploded with tributes. I, like many of my friends, kept scrolling through memes, videos, and heartfelt messages, trying to find a way to process the loss of a voice that had been part of our lives forever.

What happened next is interesting – the music fraternity didn’t just sit back. Among the flood of messages, a particular tribute caught my eye: sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, mid‑tour, decided to pause in Kolkata and render the everCrickxon song “Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar” on his sitar. It wasn’t just any performance; it felt like a personal conversation with Asha Bhosle herself.

Setting the Stage: A Night of Over 10,000 Fans at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan

Imagine the atmosphere at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan – the crowd, a sea of over ten thousand people, buzzing with anticipation for Rishab’s “Sitar for Mental Health India” tour. The tour, produced by Team Innovation and District by Zomato, has already become one of the most talked‑about live classical experiences across the country. People were there not just for music but for a cause, and the energy was palpable.

In most cases, these large gatherings can feel a bit chaotic, but the moment the lights dimmed and Rishab stepped onto the stage, everyone fell into a hush. He was dressed in a stunning bespoke ensemble by Tarun Tahiliani – a look that instantly reminded me of the glamour we see at Indian award shows, yet it felt perfectly at home on a classical music stage.

And then there was the instrument. Rishab introduced SITARA, a next‑generation electric sitar handcrafted by his father, master luthier Sanjay Sharma. The sleek, futuristic design of SITARA added a modern vibe to the age‑old sitar, making the whole set‑up look like something out of a Bollywood sci‑fi sequence. This blend of tradition and innovation set the tone for what was to follow.

The Tribute: “Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar” on Sitar

Mid‑way through his set, Rishab paused the usual ragas and announced a special dedication. He lowered the tempo, let the notes linger, and began his sitar rendition of “Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar”. The crowd instantly recognized the melody, and a wave of nostalgia swept over the entire arena.

Many people were surprised by this heartfelt moment. It wasn’t just a technical showcase; you could hear the emotion in every string. The sitar’s voice, usually bright and vibrant, turned mellow and introspective – as if it were singing a lullaby to the late legend herself. I could see a few senior audience members shedding tears, while kids sat cross‑legged, eyes wide, trying to grasp the depth of the tribute.

After the last lingering note, the hall erupted in applause that lasted several minutes. In that brief, shared silence that followed, I felt a collective prayer – a silent promise that Asha Bhosle’s music would live on, carried forward by artists like Rishab.

Opening Meditations: Ragas That Set the Mood

The evening began on a contemplative note, with Rishab exploring ragas like Bihaag, Kedar, Tilak Kamod, and Shyam Kalyan. Each raga unfolded gently, allowing the audience to settle into an almost meditative state. I remember how the deep, resonant drone of the tanpura seemed to sync with the beating hearts of the crowd – a reminder of how classical music can be a shared meditation.

Rishab’s style, a beautiful mix of neo‑classical improvisation and traditional framework, made the performance accessible to anyone, even those who might not be familiar with the technicalities of Hindustani music. It was like watching a master chef sprinkle spices just right – you sense the expertise without needing a culinary deCrickxo.

And because Kolkata has a rich cultural heritage, the audience’s response was immediate. The city’s love for Rabindranath Tagore’s poetry and music is well‑known, and Rishab paid respect to that by seamlessly weaving in Tagore’s timeless “Ekla Cholo”. It felt like a gentle nod to the city’s own musical soul.

From Original Compositions to Pop‑Culture Mash‑Ups

After the tribute, Rishab moved on to his own original pieces – “Shankara”, “Shiv Kailash”, “Burning Ghat”, “Belua” and “Roslyn”. Each composition showcased his mastery over rhythm and melody, weaving stories without words. The younger crowd, especially, seemed to be vibing with the energetic beats, often nodding along or tapping their feet.

Then came the surprise element that left many people’s jaws dropping: a mash‑up of “Harry Potter” themes with “Game of Thrones” motifs, all played on the sitar! The crowd erupted in cheers, and you could see the excitement in the eyes of teenagers who’d grown up on these franchises. It was a brilliant example of how classical instruments can bridge generational gaps – a point that definitely made this event a trending news India story.

Rishab didn’t stop there. He turned to Bollywood classics like “Kal Ho Naa Ho”, “Zara Zara” and “Tumhi Dekho Naa”, breathing new life into these songs with his unique sitar arrangements. It felt like a musical bridge connecting the past, present and future of Indian music – a truly viral news moment that had people sharing clips on Instagram and WhatsApp within minutes.

Special Homage to Kolkata: “Ekla Cholo”

True to his promise of honoring the city, Rishab performed “Ekla Cholo”, Tagore’s song of self‑reliance. The rendition was stripped down – just the sitar, a gentle tabla rhythm, and Rishab’s soulful voice humming a few lines. The intimacy of that moment made it feel like a private concert for every listener, even though the hall was packed to the brim.

As a Kolkata native, I felt a deep connection to that performance. The song’s message of moving forward alone, yet with courage, resonated especially after the loss of a musical giant like Asha Bhosle. It sparked a quiet reflection among the audience – a collective meditation on resilience and the power of music to heal.

The Grand Finale: A Night That Ended on a High Note

The final segment was nothing short of electrifying. Rishab layered compositions titled “Chanakya”, “Kautilya”, “Venkateswara”, and “Tandavam”, each piece building on the other, creating a crescendo that left the entire hall breathless. The applause that followed felt like a thunderstorm of gratitude and admiration.

What surprised many was how the audience, from seasoned classical connoisseurs to casual listeners, all rose to their feet, clapping with a vigor you’d usually see at a cricket stadium after a winning six. This unity of applause reflected Kolkata’s enduring love affair with classical music, even as the genre evolves with new experiments.

Having already delivered packed shows in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Chennai and Ahmedabad, the Kolkata leg undeniably stood out as the emotional high point of the tour. The final stops in Chandigarh and Delhi are now eagerly awaited, with fans across the north already planning their tickets.

Why This Tribute Matters in the Bigger Picture

Beyond the music, this tribute shines a light on the growing conversation around mental health in India. Rishab’s “Sitar for Mental Health India” tour aims to use the therapeutic power of music to address emotional well‑being. By dedicating a moment to Asha Bhosle, he not only honored a legend but also reminded us that music can be a balm during times of grief.

In a country where breaking news often revolves around politics or sports, this story emerged as a refreshing viral news piece that highlighted art, culture and compassion. It trended across social platforms, with people sharing snippets of the sitar rendition, quoting “Abhi Na Jao” lyrics, and expressing how music helped them cope with loss.

Looking back, I realize how a single performance can become a catalyst for collective healing. It also shows how Indian artists are blending tradition with modernity – an essential ingredient for keeping our cultural heritage alive in the age of digital media.

What’s Next for Rishab Rikhiram Sharma and the Tour?

Fans are already buzzing about the upcoming shows in Chandigarh and Delhi. Rumors suggest that Rishab might introduce more tributes to other legendary Indian musicians, keeping the spirit of remembrance alive. If the Kolkata night is anything to go by, each city will probably get its own special moment, tailored to resonate with local audiences.

For those of us who missed the live experience, the clips are already circulating as part of the latest news India roundup. Watching those videos, you can almost feel the vibrations of the sitar strings, the collective gasp of the crowd, and the lingering echo of Asha Bhosle’s voice in the background.

So, keep an eye out – the tour’s journey is far from over, and each stop promises another chapter in this ongoing saga of music, memory, and mental‑health advocacy.