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In a breathtaking musical collaboration that fuses folklore with neo-classical artistry, filmmaker and actor Rishab Shetty has joined hands with renowned sitar virtuoso Rishab Rikhiram Sharma to reimagine the iconic Varaha Roopam from Kantara, produced by Hombale Films. The result is a spellbinding sitar-led composition that transforms one of India’s most celebrated film tracks into a transcendental neo-classical experience. A Fusion of Tradition, Spirituality, and Modern Sound The new version of Varaha Roopam takes the hypnotic original — immortalized by playback singer Sai Vignesh and composer Ajaneesh Loknath — and channels it through the meditative resonance of the sitar. Retaining the song’s roots in ragas like Thodi, Mukhari, and Kanakaangi, Sharma brings to it a fresh dimension of introspection, shaped by the LoFi and neo-classical genres. Inspired by the ancient Dhrupad tradition, Sharma spent a week amid his global tour schedule perfecting the piece. His meticulous artistry transforms the track into a sonic meditation on nature, divinity, and the indigenous communities of coastal Karnataka — themes central to Kantara’s cultural ethos. Rishab Rikhiram Sharma on His Creative Vision Speaking about the collaboration, Sharma shared how the opportunity came at the perfect moment, “Being a great fan of Kantara, this collaboration feels like an act of serendipity. I was performing in Paris and had just rewatched the film when the invitation to reinterpret Varaha Roopam came through — it felt preordained. My vision was to preserve the sacred essence of the original while lending it a modern, meditative resonance through the sitar. I view this composition as an ode to the interplay between nature, tradition, and the human spirit.” As the youngest and last disciple of the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma continues to expand the boundaries of Indian classical music. His innovative ‘Sitar for Mental Health’ series, which blends sound healing and mindfulness, has toured sold-out venues across Europe, the U.S., the U.K., the Middle East, and India, cementing his status as a global pioneer in the neo-classical movement. Rishab Shetty and Hombale Films on the Collaboration Kantara creator and lead actor Rishab Shetty praised Sharma’s interpretation, saying, “Rishab Rikhiram Sharma’s rendition of Varaha Roopam is nothing short of magical. His ability to blend the raw energy of folklore with the soulful elegance of the sitar has given a new dimension to this song. We are thrilled to see how this version connects with audiences worldwide.” Adding to the sentiment, Vijay Kiragandur, Founder of Hombale Films, stated, “At Hombale Films, we’ve always believed in the power of music to transcend boundaries. Varaha Roopam has become a cultural phenomenon, and witnessing it reinterpreted through the timeless voice of the sitar is truly inspiring.” The Cultural Legacy of Kantara and Its Music The release follows the massive success of Kantara Chapter 1, the prequel to the 2022 blockbuster. The film, starring Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, and Gulshan Devaiah, has already crossed ₹750 crore globally within 20 days of release. Praised for its authentic portrayal of Bhoota Kola, Daivaradhane, and Kambala traditions, the series has redefined how folklore can meet modern storytelling — with music at its spiritual core. With Sharma’s reimagined Varaha Roopam, the Kantara legacy enters a new realm — one where classical roots, modern interpretation, and divine inspiration converge to celebrate India’s timeless cultural pulse.
