"His music lives on forever!"
Pandit Shivkumar Sharma has passed away at the age of 84.
The Indian music composer and Santoor player died at his home in Mumbai on May 10, 2022.
It was reported that he had been suffering from kidney-related issues over the past six months and was on dialysis.
Shivkumar passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest.
He was born in Jammu in 1938 and is believed to have brought the Santoor into the mainstream.
The Santoor is a folk instrument from Jammu and Kashmir. It is generally made of walnut and has 25 bridges. Each bridge has four strings, making for a total of 100 strings.
Shivkumar Sharma composed both classical and film music, transforming the Santoor into a famous instrument.
He was one half of the musical duo Shiv-Hari.
Shivkumar composed music with flute legend Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia for a number of films, including Silsila, Lamhe and Chandni.
The announcement of his passing led to a wave of tributes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Our cultural world is poorer with the demise of Pandit Shivkumar Sharma Ji.
“He popularised the Santoor at a global level. His music will continue to enthral the coming generations.
“I fondly remember my interactions with him. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Sarod player Amjad Ali Khan tweeted:
“The passing away of Pandit Shivkumar Sharma Ji marks the end of an era.
“He was the pioneer of Santoor and his contribution is unparalleled. For me, it’s a personal loss and I will miss him no end.
“May his soul rest in peace. His music lives on forever! Om Shanti.”
Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas wrote: “We have lost a gem today Padma Vibhushan Shri Shivkumar Sharma ji, Santoor virtuoso, a big loss to the Indian classical music.”
Veteran actress Shabana Azmi said: “Deeply saddened to hear that maestro Pt Shivkumar Sharma has passed away.
“His mellifluous music will remain in our hearts of course but tinged by the pain of his loss. My deepest condolences to the family.”
The Governor of Maharashtra, Bhagat Singh Koshyari, said:
“The news of the demise of Pt Shivkumar Sharma is shocking.
“He was instrumental in taking Santoor and Indian classical music to the global stage.”
“Pt Sharma was a great artist, guru, researcher, thinker and above all a kind-hearted human being.
“Pt Shiv Kumar Sharma mentored many disciples and enriched the world of music with his multifarious contributions.
“I pay my respectful homage to Pt Shivkumar Sharma and convey my deepest condolences to Pt Rahul Sharma and to other members of the bereaved family.”
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has announced a state funeral for Shivkumar Sharma.
He is survived by his wife Manorama and sons Rahul, also a Santoor player, and Rohit.
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