SoCal Singer Rythum Shastri’s Star Is Rising

By REENA RATHORE

LOS ANGELES, CA – It’s all in the name: Rythum Shastri. The 23-year-old Indian artist, whose repertoire spans Bollywood, ghazals, Sufi songs, and Indian classical music, embodies a unique ability to transcend genre boundaries, captivating audiences with every note.

With performances that cater primarily to South Asian communities and evoke a wide range of emotions, he has become a cherished presence at intimate gatherings as well as large-scale events.

“Initially, I began performing at small-scale events organized by Indian community groups. As people started to notice my talent, I began receiving more significant opportunities, eventually performing in major cities across the U.S., including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, New York, Edison, and Dallas,” Shastri told India-West. “I’m also a songwriter and I produce pop Hindi songs, one of which is releasing soon on all major streaming platforms. I strive to deliver soulful music that connects with the audience on an emotional level.”

One of the standout moments in his career, he noted, was headlining one of the biggest Sufi concerts in Los Angeles, alongside “Indian Idol” fame Navdeep Wadali from the legendary Wadali Brothers.

“We paid tribute to legendary Sufi singers like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Not only South Asian people but also Americans attended this event to experience the soulful Sufi concert,” recalled Shastri.

Another highlight was “Navsari Reunion” in Dallas, Texas, on July 5-6, where Shastri and his band entertained over 1,000 attendees with classic Bollywood hits, Sufi melodies, and dance numbers, “invoking a sense of nostalgia and joy.”

He has also had the honor of opening for legendary artists such as Sudesh Bhosale and Anup Jalota in the U.S.

Over the last five years, this versatile singer/songwriter has taken his talent to stages in India, Nepal, and Canada.

He also received critical acclaim for “Soor Shakti,” a traditional Gujarati garba music album, whose purpose, he explained, was to “promote traditional garba among Indian youth in the U.S.”

His story began in India, where the sound of music was an integral part of his upbringing. Inspired by his father who was both a musical mentor and a guiding force, Shastri’s early years were filled with melodies that ignited a lifelong passion for music. Eventually, he dove into the deep end of making it work, and it has paid off.

Shastri grew up dreaming of the day he would become a solo artist. The connection with music was immediate.

“A lot of people think that ‘Rythum’ is my stage name, but it’s my birth name,” Shastri told India-West. “My father is also a singer, and when I was born, ‘Rythum’ was the most accurate name they could give to me. People often talk about destiny; I am the best example to believe in destiny.”

His formal training at the prestigious Musicians Institute in Hollywood was a pivotal chapter in his journey where he trained under Grammy-winning instructors. Graduating as an audio engineer, he honed his technical skills and deepened his understanding of music production. This education, Shastri said, was instrumental in shaping his approach to creating and producing music, blending traditional and modern techniques to craft unique soundscapes.

In addition, the Surat, Gujarat-born and raised singer has had the privilege of learning from teachers who provided a solid foundation for a thriving musical career. Training under esteemed Gharanas such as Patiala, Kirana, and Bhendi Bazaar has enriched his classical repertoire.

While singing remains closest to his heart, his background as an audio engineer, he stated, allows him to produce, mix, and master his own work and that of others, providing a “comprehensive approach” to music.

While the dual roles of singer and audio engineer offer unique challenges, it is the emotional connection with the audience through live performances that he finds most fulfilling.

“The ability to connect with an audience through my voice and music is an indescribable feeling. It allows me to express my emotions and share my stories, which is incredibly fulfilling. Especially during my live concerts…making audiences laugh, cry and dance through the beautiful melodies,” Shastri told India-West.

Performing at Mumbai’s illustrious National Center for the Performing Arts marks a pinnacle in Shastri’s career. Equally notable was his heartfelt performance at the Pratham concert in Los Angeles, which supported underprivileged children in India, with Shastri saying “it stands out as a moment where I could use my music to inspire and raise funds for a noble cause.”

He also helped raise more than $150,000 during an event organized by the Jain Center of Southern California for survivors of the Turkey and Syria earthquake.

Despite his youth, Shastri has already received several accolades, underscoring his extraordinary talent and promise in the world of music.

“I’m humbled and honored…I believe that music is God gifted and it can be used for much more than just entertainment,” said Shastri. “These accolades are a testament to the hard work and dedication I have put into my craft and motivate me to continue working hard and pursuing my dreams, with the hope of reaching even greater heights in the future. They also serve as a reminder of the support and encouragement I have received from my mentors, fellow musicians, and the communities I perform for. It is incredibly gratifying to know that my work is appreciated and that it makes a positive impact on others.”