Rishi Shah

Rishi Shah, a true connoisseur of music and a fearless entrepreneur, passed peacefully on April 26, 2025, at the age of 50, in his beloved hometown of Manhasset, New York.

Son of Dr. Shashi Shekhar and the late Pushpa Shah, loyal brother to his late sibling Rahul, and proud father to his precious daughter Suzain, Rishi’s presence was pure light, a spirit whose laughter, love, and boundless dreams filled every space he entered.

Rishi lived his life like a great song: full of passion, improvisation, and endless heart. He defied convention, challenged limits, and inspired everyone he touched to dream bigger, love harder, and live freer. His journey now carries on beyond this world, a new road rising to meet him, a sweet melody guiding him home.

“Such a long, long time to be gone, and a short time to be there” - Grateful Dead 

His love for music was not just personal; it became his life’s work. In 2001, Rishi founded Rave Magazine, India’s iconic music and arts magazine which quickly became a cultural force, often hailed as the “Rolling Stone of India”, Rishi helped put India’s vibrant and evolving music scene on the global map, giving artists a powerful platform and connecting audiences around the world.

Though our hearts are heavy, we know Rishi’s soul keeps dancing somewhere the music’s still playing, the stars are shining, and his spirit is forever soaring. He leaves behind grieving family and countless friends across the globe, each carrying a piece of his extraordinary light.

This is the livestream link that can be used for all Rishi's family and friends to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5098987