The Ravi Shankar Centre has responded to sitarist Rishabh Rikhiram Sharma’s claim of being the last disciple of the legendary Ravi Shankar. In a recent statement, the Centre acknowledged Rishabh’s musical talents but clarified that he did not undergo any formal initiation to be recognized as a disciple in the traditional guru-shishya system.
The Centre explained that an informal string-tying ceremony in January 2012, which Rishabh often references, was merely a request from his father and did not involve the typical rituals or witnesses required for such a significant relationship in classical music. They also highlighted a moment from a concert where Pandit Ravi Shankar had introduced Rishabh as a new student but did not refer to him as a disciple. After Ravi Shankar left India in March 2012 due to health issues, there was no ongoing structured teaching.
Further emphasizing the depth of the guru-shishya relationship, which requires years of commitment and training, the Centre referenced Grammy-nominated sitarist Anoushka Shankar’s views. The discussion around this topic has sparked conversations in music circles about the true essence of a guru-shishya bond, beyond brief interactions that can easily seem significant on social media.
While Rishabh’s supporters continue to share nostalgic memories of his time with Ravi Shankar, critics note that the Centre’s clarification reminds everyone of the weight that titles in classical music hold.
