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He is the young face of Indian classical music. And his brush with fame happened with a live performance Music of the Himalayas a decade back in Turin.
Rahul Sharma, son of legendary santoor player Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, has charmed the world with his melodious albums and delightful demeanour. "I am a bit settled in the classical music world and I have to explore new ideas, so that the santoor reaches people," says Rahul.
Rahul's list of achievements is impressive. He was the first Indian to collaborate with the world renowned pianist Richard Clayderman for an album and a live concert. Even melody queen Lata Mangeshkar gave him an indirect compliment when she sang for his debut film Mujhse Dosti Karoge as a music director. With so much fame at a young age, ask him how the artiste in him thrives and he says, "One can never be satisfied with what one gets and if you get an opportunity, you should go for it. I think every artiste should have the will power to learn and grow." So, did he feel any pressure being the son of a famous father? "In the initial stages I felt people may compare me with him. But, if you have the potential and passion, you can overcome that obstacle," says he.
The santoor player's next album Rhythm of Love is all set for release. Ask him if there are any Bollywood projects in the pipeline and he says, "It's a bit difficult for me to work in Bollywood full-time because they have a different style of working. I travel a lot and that doesn't allow me to dedicate too much time to films. Yet, I may compose for a movie soon." Speaking of films, ask Rahul if he'd like more movies to be shot in his native place Kashmir? After all, terrorism has prevented many filmmakers from shooting there. To this, he says, "The whole world is unsafe today, then why to blame only Kashmir? It is such a beautiful place to shoot and it's safe too. I myself have performed there so many times."
The good-looking artiste, who recently celebrated his second marriage anniversary in Panchgani, is now all set to celebrate the festival of colours. Ask him how he plans to celebrate it and he says with a laugh, "Like I did in my bachelor days. I will be playing with a pichkari and will be throwing water balloons on people and scoot away in my car. It will also give me a chance to be with my family and friends." And what does he do in his leisure time? He says, "I do yoga and work out. I meet my friends and party." No social networking? He quips, "I am net savvy, but I'm not on any social networking site, though some fake ids have been created in my name. I connect with my fans on my website and answer them on my guest book."
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