Mumbai: Legendary Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, 84, took santoor to the global stage and etched his name among the best in the worlds of classical and film music, passed after a cardiac arrest in Mumbai on Tuesday.
The iconic santoor player died between 8 and 8:30 am at his Pali Hill residence here, his secretary Dinesh was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. He was also suffering from renal ailments.
“He had a severe heart attack in the morning… He was active and was to perform in Bhopal next week. He was on regular dialysis but was still was active,” a family source was quoted as saying by PTI.
Sharma is survived by his wife Manorama and two sons Rahul and Rohit. Rahul is a santoor player.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee were among those who mourned his death.
“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,” said the Prime Minister.
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
Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan said that the Padma Bibhishan’s passing is and end of era. “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,” Amjad Ali Khan 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
