In a mesmerizing collaboration, filmmaker and actor Rishab Shetty has teamed up with neo-classical sitar virtuoso Rishab Rikhiram Sharma to present a fresh rendition of 'Varaha Roopam' from the critically acclaimed Kannada film Kantara. Released by Hombale Films, the new version transforms the iconic track into a meditative neo-classical experience while retaining its spiritual and cultural essence.
Speaking about the project, Sharma, known for his tracks 'Tandavam' and 'Shiv Kailash,' said, “Being a great fan of Kantara, this collaboration feels like an act of serendipity. I was performing in Paris at the time and had watched the film a couple of times a few days earlier, and 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 sacred interplay between nature, tradition, and the human spirit—a piece of music that seemed to manifest organically.”
Rishab Shetty praised the reinterpretation, saying, “Rishab Rikhiram Sharma’s interpretation 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 rendition connects with audiences worldwide.”
Vijay Kiragandur, founder of Hombale Films, added, “At Hombale Films, we have always believed in the power of music to transcend boundaries and evoke emotion beyond language. 'Varaha Roopam' has become a cultural phenomenon, and witnessing Rishab Rikhiram Sharma reinterpret it through the timeless voice of the sitar is truly inspiring. Collaborations like this reaffirm our commitment to nurturing art that celebrates India’s roots while resonating with the world.”
The original 'Varaha Roopam,' composed by Ajaneesh Loknath and sung by Sai Vignesh, is celebrated for its evocative portrayal of Bhoota Kola culture during the film’s climactic moments. Sharma’s neo-classical sitar rendition draws inspiration from the ancient Dhrupad style, creating a contemporary, LoFi-genre interpretation that bridges tradition with modern sensibilities.
Sharma, who is the last and youngest disciple of legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar, has previously impressed audiences with innovative renditions of Bollywood hits and global pop culture mashups. His unique performances, including the ‘Sitar For Mental Health’ series, have sold out venues across the US, Europe, the UK, the Middle East, and India, highlighting his global appeal.
The release follows the phenomenal success of Kantara Chapter 1, which has already grossed over Rs 750 crores worldwide within 20 days, spanning multiple languages including Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and Tamil. Starring Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, Gulshan Devaiah, and Rishab Shetty, the film has been widely praised for its authentic portrayal of native folklore, cultural practices, and its critically acclaimed music and cinematography.
More Pages: Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1 Box Office Collection , Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1 Movie Review
BOLLYWOOD NEWS - LIVE UPDATES
Catch us for latest Bollywood News, New Bollywood Movies update, Box office collection, New Movies Release , Bollywood News Hindi, Entertainment News, Bollywood Live News Today & Upcoming Movies 2025 and stay updated with latest hindi movies only on Bollywood Hungama.