Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma passes away aged 84

Renowned santoor player and Indian musician Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma passed away in Mumbai today. He was 84 years old. He was suffering from kidney related ailments for the last 6 months and was undergoing treatment on dialysis. He died of a heart attack. Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma has made an important contribution to the Indian film industry.

Shiv Kumar Sharma gave a classical status to the santoor and brought it to fame along with other traditional and famous instruments such as sitar and sarod. Santoor was once an unknown musical instrument of Jammu and Kashmir. As a Shiv-Hari duo, he composed music for films like ‘Silsila’, ‘Lamhe’ and ‘Chandni’ with flute legend Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the death of Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma. He tweeted and wrote, “Our cultural world has been damaged by the demise of Pandit Shivkumar Sharma ji. He made Santoor popular on a global scale. His music will continue to enchant the generations to come. I remember very well my conversation with him. Condolences to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti.”

Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma was born on 13 January 1938 in Jammu. He is credited with giving Santoor an identity in Hindustani classical music. Taking it to different heights, he also composed music for Bollywood, starting with the background score of Shantaram’s Jhanak Jhanak Baje Payal.

Has also been honored with Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan

Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma recorded his first solo song in the year 1960 and composed great music with fluteist Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia and guitarist Brij Bhushan Kabra. He was awarded the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1986 and Padma Shri in 1991. He was also honored with Padma Vibhushan in the year 2001.