Sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma Joins A.R. Rahman And Hans Zimmer For Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana'

Sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma is making his Bollywood debut with Nitesh Tiwari's two-part epic Ramayana, joining a music team that already includes A.R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer. Producer Namit Malhotra confirmed Sharma's inclusion at the trailer launch of Ramayana: Part 1, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on July 18, where Sharma also opened the evening with a live performance.

Sharma took the stage with his signature custom-engineered electronic sitar, SITARA, performing the bhajan "Rama Rama" alongside original compositions titled "Tilak Kamod," "Chanakya," "Kautilya," and "Tandavam." Reports citing sources close to the production state that he has been brought on to compose the trailer's title track and contribute to score portions involving Ram, Hanuman, and Ravana.

Malhotra addressed the addition directly at the launch: "We're delighted to welcome Rishab Rikhiram Sharma to the musical journey of Ramayana. Alongside Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman, he will be contributing his unique artistry to the film's score."

Sharma is the youngest and last disciple of Pandit Ravi Shankar, and comes from the Rikhi Ram instrument-making lineages. He has built a global following through his "Sitar for Mental Health" initiative and tour, blending traditional sitar performance with mental health advocacy.

Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. Part One releases during Diwali 2026, with Part Two expected the following Diwali in 2027.

For Sharma, the Ramayana score marks a significant step beyond the concert circuit and social media virality that first built his audience, placing him alongside two Academy Award-winning composers on one of Indian cinema's most ambitious productions, and positioning the sitar itself at the center of the film's sonic identity.