Interview | Rishiraj Kulkarni on music, spirituality, and lessons from Zakir Hussain

Rishiraj Kulkarni comes across more as a mystic than a musician. His words are measured, his thoughts seem to stem from a place deeper than mere intellect. His journey, too, has been shaped by some of the most profound human minds.

As a child, he studied at the Sahyadri School, founded by the Krishnamurti Foundation of India, where the teachings of J Krishnamurti — spiritualist, philosopher, and fierce advocate of free thought — left an indirect yet indelible imprint on him. Later, his years at AR Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory exposed him to a composer whose musical genius is deeply intertwined with his spirituality. And finally, his greatest influence was his guru, the late Ustad Zakir Hussain, whose presence itself carried a spiritual weight.

So, during our phone conversation, I ask Rishiraj a long-winding question about what he has learned from these towering figures, expecting an equally reflective response. But his answer is precisely three words:

“To just be.”

Somewhat taken aback, I press further. “But that’s so simple. It is probably difficult for most people to just be. Do you think you have realized how to just be? Does it come naturally to you?”

He pauses before answering, “Well, I don’t know about the future, but at least at the moment, I like to believe that I am just being.”

It becomes clear that for Rishiraj, music is not an end but a means. His pursuit is not virtuosity — it is presence. 

Rishiraj’s upcoming performance in Bengaluru as part of his Khoya Mein India tour is an invitation into this philosophy. The Hindi title Khoya Mein — which translates loosely to “I am lost” — was born out of Rishiraj’s grief after Zakir Hussain’s passing. “Losing my guru has made me feel lost, which is encapsulated in the words ‘Khoya Mein.’ But the meaning of these words is fluid. It signifies both loss and the beginning of a personal journey of exploration.”   

That journey has taken him across 12,000 kilometers, performing not just in auditoriums but in the most unexpected corners of the country. His tour is not just about music — it is about outreach. He, with his team has stopped at remote villages, offering music for free to the rural population, while also being aware of the ecological impact they are creating along this journey. 

“The least one can do for humanity is to offer something to those in need,” he says. “In cities, we take access to art for granted. In rural areas, people might not even know what concerts are. As an artist, I feel it is my responsibility to share music with those who don’t have access to it.”  

Rishiraj Kulkarni
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

This is not a conventional tour. Rishiraj and his team are carrying everything they need — 492 kilos of equipment, including instruments, microphones, stage lights, and a PA system. “Essentially, all we require from any venue is two tables and five plug points,” he says. Even when there is no electricity, his setup is designed to run on batteries, ensuring that music reaches the most remote locations.  

At each performance, Rishiraj brings not just his instruments but his philosophy. He blends the tabla, handpan, and Rav Vast, weaving them with the sounds of nature. “I developed a heightened sensitivity to sounds from a young age. The rustling of leaves, the way a finger scrubs against a leaf — these subtle sounds are a part of my awareness and my music.”

When asked about his most significant lesson from Zakir Hussain, Rishiraj does not point to a technical aspect of music. Instead, he speaks of humility. “When we are born, we are like a dry sponge. Over time, we absorb knowledge, experiences, and ego. But to continue learning every day, we must squeeze the sponge, let go of ego, and start fresh. Zakir ji taught me that. His constant curiosity to learn every day was something I admired the most.”

This tour is dedicated to his guru, though Zakir Hussain never knew it would be. “He was aware that I travel and perform, but he didn’t know that this tour is in his memory. His reminder to me was always simple: ‘Be yourself. Don’t imitate. Take inspiration, but never lose your uniqueness.’”

Rishiraj’s performances are never the same twice. His albums — Home and The Woods — are only one side of his musical expression. His live performances evolve, just like his philosophy. “The essence remains the same, but the experience changes every time. Just like this conversation — if we had it tomorrow, the words might be different, but the essence would remain the same.”

Rishiraj Kulkarni will be performing at Jus ‘Trufs Chocolate Shop and Cafe, Jakkur, on February 23, 4pm and 6pm. Tickets, at ₹499, on BookMyShow.