redline with a contemporary yet classic collaboration with global sitar sensation Rishab Rikhiram Sharma. A film capturing the symphony between the strings of the sitar and the apex-hitting precision of the Octavia RS on track celebrates the return of the performance icon in India on the brand’s 25th anniversary in the country.
Commenting on the film, Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said, “For something packed with as much legacy and thrill as the Octavia RS, it was only fitting that the occasion demanded a collaboration just as iconic, just as rhythmic, and just as symphonic as the RS. Rishab Rikhiram Sharma brings the same blend of finesse and dynamism that defines the Octavia RS. His music moves with precision and passion, rooted in tradition yet alive with modern energy, much like the Octavia RS, which combines decades of engineering excellence with the unrelenting spirit of performance. Together, they represent a harmony between heritage and innovation, where power meets poise and emotion meets control.”
Commenting on the association, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma said, “Whether it’s performing on stage or racing on the track, both pursuits demand unwavering concentration and a profound connection to your craft. Mastery comes from immersing yourself fully in the moment, allowing precision and passion to fuel your performance. In capturing this synergy for the newly introduced, high-performing Škoda Octavia RS, I have attempted to portray the exhilarating balance between serenity and speed in my first-ever performance on a racing track.”
The Muse
Launched in 2001, the Octavia was Škoda’s very first car in India and set the tone for the brand’s identity as a maker of aspirational, driver-focused, and solid-built cars. The Octavia RS came to India in 2004 as the first-ever turbocharged petrol engine passenger car in the country. Now, in its latest RS form, the Octavia has returned as a symbol of Škoda’s enduring commitment to India, bringing together legacy, innovation, and pure performance as reflected in the film capturing the notes of Rishab Rikhiram Sharma’s sitar with the Octavia RS at full tilt on the track.
The Art
Rishab Rikhiram Sharma skilfully merges tradition and legacy with modernity, embodying the essence of the RS badge. Rooted in classical heritage yet driven by innovation, he mirrors the adventurous spirit of an Octavia RS driver. In the visual piece, the neo-classical music sensation appears in a racer’s avatar, performing on the sitar against the backdrop of a racetrack. The high-octane presentation weaves a compelling narrative where tradition meets technology, authentically enhancing the Octavia RS, while the striking visual contrast highlights Škoda Auto’s commitment to performance-oriented innovation and engineering excellence. The film symbolises the convergence of two performance icons, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma on stage and the Škoda Octavia RS on the track, each representing extraordinary artistry in their respective fields.
The Artist
Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, the last disciple of Pandit Ravi Shankar, is globally celebrated as one of the youngest torchbearers of the sitar, having performed to sold-out audiences across the United States, the Middle East, Europe, the United Kingdom, and India. For this collaboration, he reimagines his 2021 classic ‘Chanakya’ from the nine-track project Navaras. The resampled version channels the Veer Rasa sentiment, encapsulating themes of courage, self-assurance and determination, whilst igniting a passionate fire within listeners. perfectly complementing the Octavia RS’s exhilarating performance and embodying the vibrant spirit of the film.