Gen-Z’s sitar maestro:5 style lessons we need to steal from Rishab Rikhiram Sharma

When you picture a classical sitar player, you probably imagine someone sitting quietly on a stage in very conventional, maybe slightly stiff, traditional clothing. Right? Well, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma is completely shattering that stereotype.

The guy isn’t just a sitarist and a passionate mental health advocate. He's quietly becoming one of the most fascinating style icons for Gen-Z right now. He has this crazy ability to bridge the gap between ancient Indian heritage and modern, everyday drip. And frankly, his wardrobe is just as deliberate as the music he creates.

So, what can we actually learn from his aesthetic? Here are five style lessons you definitely need to take notes on.

Most of us think ethnic menswear is rigid. A kurta is a kurta, right? Not for Rishab. He totally flips the script on classic Indian silhouettes. You’ll often spot him pairing a highly structured, open silk sherwani over a super fluid, draped dhoti. The contrast is what makes it work. The takeaway here? Mix up your textures. Throw something structured over flowing fabrics. It instantly takes traditional wear from "wedding guest standard" to something way more dynamic and luxurious.

If you’ve watched his live shows, you can't miss his hands. They're usually covered in incredibly intricate henna (mehndi). But here’s the kicker: it’s not just for aesthetics or some fleeting fashion trend. Rishab has talked about how deeply symbolic this is for him. He often incorporates motifs of Lord Shiva into the designs. For him, the henna acts as a channel for spiritual energy while he’s performing. It’s a powerful reminder that body art - whether it’s temporary like mehndi or permanent ink - looks best when it actually tells your personal story. Don't just follow trends. Find what grounds you.

Let’s talk about accessories. To balance out his traditional outfits, Rishab loves to throw in some unexpected hardware. We’re talking statement earrings, stacked rings, and jewellery packed with symbolism. It’s a very deliberate move. It adds this undeniable layer of modern "swag" to his whole classical vibe. Honestly, it feels a bit rebellious. A standout piece of jewellery - whether that's a solitary hoop earring or a heavy, statement ring - has the power to completely reinvent a traditional fit, acting as the ultimate crossover between heritage elegance and fresh, modern energy.

No thanks. Rishab isn’t the kind of guy to just grab something off a rack at a mall and call it a day. He actually sketches out his ideas and works directly with designers to create custom looks for his global tours. He totally gets that if you want a cohesive visual identity, your clothes need to look like they were made specifically for you—because they should be. Fit really is everything. Take the time to find a reliable tailor or work with creators to make sure your wardrobe actually aligns with your body type and your personal brand.

Unapologetically. We live in a world utterly obsessed with fast fashion. But Rishab wears his cultural roots loud and proud. He completely destroys the idea that traditional Indian aesthetics belong in a museum or should only be pulled out for family weddings. He makes our heritage look relevant, fresh, and undeniably cool in a contemporary setting. Authenticity really is the ultimate style hack. Blend your cultural background into your everyday wardrobe, and do it with absolute confidence.

At the end of the day, Rishabh’s style isn't about just buying expensive clothes. It’s about intention. If you want to see exactly how he pulls this off, go watch his Shankara music video. It perfectly captures how he blends statement jewelry, that meaningful henna, and killer traditional attire on stage.

Which of these style rules are you going to try out first?