Rahul Sharma’s Santoor Magic Lights Up NCPA In A Cross-Cultural Celebration

On Sunday, October 12, the Jamshed Bhabha Theatre at Mumbai’s NCPA came alive with an extraordinary blend of Indian classical and global music traditions, as Santoor virtuoso Rahul Sharma took center stage for a spellbinding performance.

The concert, a charity curtain-raiser in support of preserving the Kala Ghoda Art District, was presented by Kala Ghoda Arts (KGA) in collaboration with the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) Museum. It stood as a powerful reminder of how music can transcend boundaries of culture, genre, and time.

Backed by an exceptional ensemble,Ojas Adhiya on tabla, Vinayak Pol on drums, Avinash Chandrachud on keyboard, and Amit Gadgil on bass, Rahul crafted a mesmerizing soundscape that wove together strands of Indian classical, Kashmiri folk, Western classical, jazz, and even Beatles-inspired motifs. The Santoor, often relegated to accompaniment, took center stage in this vibrant conversation of sounds, carrying the audience through moments of serenity and rhythmic intensity.

The son of the legendary Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, Rahul has long established his own global identity with over 70 albums and collaborations with international icons like Kenny G, Deep Forest, and Richard Clayderman. His music continues to redefine the Santoor’s place in contemporary world music, blending ancient resonance with modern expression.

The evening concluded with a standing ovation,an affirmation not only of Rahul Sharma’s artistry but also of Mumbai’s enduring creative spirit. The concert was more than a performance; it was a tribute to heritage, innovation, and the timeless unifying power of music.