Rishiraj Kulkarni is more as a mystic than a musician. His words are measured, his thoughts seem to be more than just a deep place than the intellect. His journey, too, is shaped by some intensive human mind.

As a child, he studied at Sahyadari School, which was founded by Krishnamurthy Foundation in India, where J Krishnamurti’s teachings – spiritualist, philosopher, and free idea of ​​free thought – an indirectly incredible impression on him Left Later, his years in AR Rahman’s KM Music Conservatives exposed him to a musician, whose music talent has been linked deeply with his spirituality. And in the end, his greatest influence was his guru, late Maestro Zakir Hussain, whose presence lifted the spiritual weight.

Therefore, during our phone conversation, I ask Rishiraj a long watch question as to what he has learned from these huge figures, expecting an equally reflective response. But his answer is exactly three words:

“just to be.”

Somewhat surprised, I press further. “But it’s very simple. This is only difficult for most people. Do you think you have realized how it should be? Does it naturally come to you? ,

He stops before answering, “Okay, I don’t know about the future, but at least at the moment, I am confident that I am just.”

It becomes clear that for Rishiraj, music is not an end, but a means. They do not have chase properties – this is the appearance.

Rishiraj’s upcoming performance in Bengaluru as part of his Khoya Mein India Tour is an invitation in this philosophy. Hindi title Khoya Meen – which delayedly translates to “I am Lost” – was born from Rishiraj’s grief after Zakir Hussain passed. “I feel lost by losing my guru, which has been explained in the words ‘Khoya Meen’. But these words mean liquid. It shows both the beginning of a disadvantage and an individual journey of exploration.”

The journey has taken him up to 12,000 kilometers, not only in the auditorium but also in the most unexpected corners of the country. His tour is not only about music – it is about outreach. He has stayed with his team in remote villages, offering music for free for rural population, while the ecological effects that are creating with this visit are also known.

He says, “At least any needy people have to present something for humanity.” “In cities, we provide access to art. In rural areas, people cannot even know what concerts are. As an artist, I think it is my responsibility to share music with those who do not have access to it. ,

Rishiraj Kulkarni | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

This is not a traditional tour. Rishiraj and his team are carrying all the things they need – 492 kg tools, including equipment, microphone, stage lights and a PA system. “Essentially, we all need from any place. There are two tables and five plug points,” they say. Even when there is no electricity, its setup is designed to walk on the battery, ensuring that the music reaches the most remote locations.

In each performance, Rishiraj brings not only his equipment but also his philosophy. He mixes tabla, handpain and Rao Waste, weaving them with the sound of nature. “I developed an elevated sensitivity for sounds from an early age. The rustle of the leaves, the way a finger scrub is against a leaf – these subtle sounds are a part of my awareness and my music. ,

When asked about his most important lesson from Zakir Hussain, Rishiraj does not point to a technical aspect of music. Instead, he talks about humility. “When we are born, we are like a dry sponge. Over time, we absorb knowledge, experience and ego. But to continue learning every day, we must squeeze the sponge, let the ego go, and start fresh. Zakir Yes Taught me that. His constant curiosity for learning every day was something that I praised the most. ,

The tour is dedicated to his guru, although Zakir Hussain never knew that this would happen. “He knew that I travel and perform, but he did not know that this tour is in his memory. For me his reminder was always simple: ‘Don’t be yourself. Don’t copy. Take inspiration, but take your uniqueness, but take your uniqueness Never lose.

Rishiraj’s performance is never the same twice. Their album – Home And The woods – His music is only one side of expression. His live performance develops like his philosophy. “The essence remains the same, but the experience changes every time. Like this conversation – if we had tomorrow, the words can be different, but the essence will remain the same. ,

Rishiraj Kulkarni will perform at Juice Truffes Chocolate Shop and Cafe, Jakkur at 23 February, 4 pm and 6 pm. Tickets, on bookmyshow, at 499.