Rishab Rikhiram Sharma And Škoda Orchestrate A Masterclass In Speed And Strings
New Delhi : Škoda Auto India has shattered the conventional automotive launch playbook, unveiling an evocative creative collaboration with global sitar virtuoso Rishab Rikhiram Sharma to mark the arrival of the highly anticipated, all-new Kodiaq RS. Debuting at a defining moment for the brand, which celebrates a dual milestone of 125 years in motorsport and over five decades of the iconic RS racing pedigree, the collaboration offers a cinematic experience that seamlessly intertwines precision engineering with the burgeoning popularity of Indian neo-classical music artistry.
Following the viral success of their previous Octavia RS campaign, this cinematic sequel pushes the creative envelope further, positioning the artist as curator rather than contributor, and the machine as canvas rather than a mere subject. The film Surrender traces the Kodiaq RS’s all-terrain dominance alongside the evocative soundscape of Rishab Rikhiram Sharma’s acclaimed composition Burning Ghat, brought to life through Sitara, his next-generation electric sitar. The interplay between the vehicle’s dynamic performance and the instrument’s expressive tonal character creates a seamless dialogue between motion, emotion and artistry. By transforming the premium SUV from a mode of transport into a living, breathing musical performer, Škoda elevates a traditional product launch into a sensory manifesto about what it means to perform.
Commenting on the film, Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India states, “At Škoda Auto, legacy is defined by endurance and evolution. From 130 years globally, to 125 years in motorsport, and over 50 years of the RS badge, our story is built on performance, passion, precision, and persistence. After our collaboration with Rishab Rikhiram Sharma for the Octavia RS, it was only natural to continue this journey with the Kodiaq RS—a car that embodies all-terrain capability while harmonizing beautifully with Rishab’s contemporary interpretation of the sitar. This emotion lies at the heart of our ‘Surrender’ campaign. Because the Kodiaq RS is not just about performance, it’s about what you feel. And these are emotions you don’t own but Surrender to.”
Commenting on the association, Rishab Rikhiram Sharma states, “Music and rhythm are intrinsic to motion and the natural world. This film brings that philosophy to life, pairing the resonance of the Kodiaq RS with the emotional depth of Burning Ghat, expressed through the distinctive voice of my electric sitar, Sitara. Together, they explore the connection between movement, emotion and performance, creating a dialogue between artistry and engineering that feels both immersive and meaningful. “
Škoda Auto India and Rishab Rikhiram Sharma have created a sensory experience where the machine and the melody speak as equals. Engineering excellence and artistic expression converge to celebrate what true performance means.