Ruthvik Rao

Hindustani Classical, Bhajan, Sandalwood (Kannada), Bollywood Music, Classical Fusion, Instrumental, Sitar Solo, World Music, Ambient, Band Music • Mumbai 400061

Category: Musician

💰 Performing Budget: Please mail at ruthvikrao.office@gmail.com for quotes.

Based in Mumbai and originally from Bengaluru, Ruthvik is a sitarist, composer, educator, and instrument innovator. A first-generation professional musician from a non-musical family, he began his musical journey at a young age with training in Carnatic vocal music and Veena, before discovering his calling in the sitar. Before moving to Mumbai in 2022, he was an active member of Grand Sitar Symphony (GSS), a Bengaluru-based sitar ensemble. He now continues his training under Sitar Maestro Purbayan Chatterjee through PAAMF (Purbayan Arts, Artists and Music Foundation), deepening his understanding of the Hindustani classical tradition while shaping his own artistic voice. Original composition lies at the heart of Ruthvik's artistic journey. Deeply rooted in Hindustani classical and devotional traditions, his music explores contemporary sonic landscapes while preserving the expressive soul of the sitar. His original composition "Mohana Mirage" is one such example of this musical approach. Whether performing as a solo sitarist or with his contemporary sitar ensemble, he strives to create musical experiences that honour India's rich heritage while connecting with audiences in India and around the world through concerts, festivals, corporate events, luxury weddings, and cultural programmes. Beyond performing and composing, Ruthvik is passionate about reimagining the sitar for the future. Inspired by an original transparent sitar concept created by a sitar maker in Belgium, he recreated and built a transparent sitar for his guru, Purbayan Chatterjee. Named "Seetar" by his guru because of its see-through design, the instrument was played by Purbayan Chatterjee in the widely appreciated rock version of "Garaj Garaj" from Bandish Bandits Season 2 on Amazon Prime Video. Building on this journey, Ruthvik is currently developing new futuristic sitar designs that seek to expand the instrument's creative and visual possibilities while preserving its timeless musical character.