Anoushka Shankar Debunks Sitarist's Guru Title

Sitarist Rishabh Rikhiram Sharma, who hails from a respected lineage of instrument makers, has asserted he is the last disciple of the late sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar. This claim has been publicly contested by Anoushka Shankar, Ravi Shankar's daughter. Anoushka clarified that Sharma, while talented and having trained intensively with Parimal Sadaphal (a senior disciple of her father), did not hold formal disciple status under Pandit Ravi Shankar. She noted that Sharma had only a few informal lessons with her father, with Parimal Sadaphal also present.

Anoushka Shankar acknowledged Rishabh Sharma's considerable talent and his family's longstanding connection to their instrument-making business. She stated that the narrative of him being Ravi Shankar's last or youngest disciple is a misunderstanding that has been amplified. Despite the differing views on his discipleship, Anoushka expressed confidence in Sharma's abilities and wished him success, highlighting his potential irrespective of the guru lineage story. She mentioned this as she embarks on her own Chapters Tour 2026 in India.