Santoor Maestro Pandit Shivkumar Sharma Passes At 84
Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, an 84-year-old Indian music composer and santoor musician, has received a flood of condolences since his death on Tuesday. After having kidney-related ailments for the previous six months and undergoing dialysis, the internationally acclaimed musician passed away in Mumbai.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an homage to the Santoor maestro, said that our cultural world would be a lesser one without his contribution.
“With the passing of Pandit Shivkumar Sharma Ji, our cultural world has become a poorer one. He made the Santoor well known around the world. His music will continue to captivate and inspire future generations. My experiences with him were pleasant, and I will always remember them. Please accept my condolences on behalf of his family and friends. Om Shanti,” Prime Minister Modi said on Twitter.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 10, 2022
Mamata Banerjee, the CM of West Bengal, also expressed condolences to the family of Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, stating that his death “deprives our cultural world.”
“The passing of Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, a famous Santoor player, and globally recognized Indian music composer, has brought sadness to my heart. His absence has a negative impact on our cultural environment. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies,” Banerjee said on Twitter.
Sad to know about the demise of Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, eminent Santoor player and internationally celebrated Indian music composer. His departure impoverishes our cultural world. My deepest condolences.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) May 10, 2022
Sharma was scheduled to play in Bhopal, India, the following week.
“A severe heart attack struck him just after nine in the morning… He was still playing, with a show in Bhopal booked for the next week. He was receiving regular dialysis, but he was still engaged in activities, “According to a family source reported by PTI.
In adding up to being a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, the Jammu-born musician is thought to be the first artist to have performed Indian classical music on the Santoor, a traditional instrument from Jammu and Kashmir.
“The death of Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharmaji heralds the end of an era in Indian music. He was the founder of Santoor, and his contribution to the community is unrivaled. He will be sorely missed. This is a personal loss for me, and I will never forget him. May the soul rest in peace. His songs will live on in perpetuity! Om Shanti, thank you for your service,” Amjad Ali Khan, a sarod player, tweeted.
The passing away of Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharmaji 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 🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/GcLSF0lSh2
— Amjad Ali Khan (@AAKSarod) May 10, 2022
