Odisha Tv

The santoor maestro and music composer, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, passed away after a cardiac arrest at the age of 84 in Mumbai on Tuesday, May 10. He had been suffering from kidney-related ailments for the last six months and was on dialysis.

The Jammu-born musician, who elevated the santoor, once a little-known musical instrument from Jammu and Kashmir, to its present exalted global status, will also be remembered for the music he composed with the flute legend, Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, for films such as 'Silsila', 'Lamhe', 'Chandni' and 'Darr'.

He is survived by wife Manorama and two sons, one of whom, Rahul Sharma, is also an accomplished santoor player.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the death of santoor maestro Pandit Shivkumar Sharma.

"Our cultural world is poorer with the demise of Pandit Shivkumar Sharma Ji," tweeted Prime Minister Modi.

"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," the Prime Minister tweeted.

President Ram Nath Kovind  said he was sad to learn about the demise of santoor maestro Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma and offered condolences to his family, friends and countless fans.

"Pt Shiv Kumar Sharma's recitals would leave connoisseurs of Indian classical music spellbound. He popularized Santoor, the traditional musical instrument from J&K. Sad to learn that his Santoor is now silenced. Condolences to his family, friends and countless fans everywhere," Kovind tweeted.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu expressed anguish at the demise of santoor maestro Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, saying he was instrumental in bringing the musical instrument to the centre stage of classical music.

His death is a huge loss to the world of music, Naidu said.

"My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family members and many admirers," the Vice President Secretariat tweeted, quoting Naidu.
 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the maestro's death had impoverished our cultural world.

She said: "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."

Odisha CM Naveen patnaik condoled demise of the eminent Santoor player.

He said, "Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of Santoor maestro. He had unparalleled contribution in popularising Santoor and his passing away has left a huge void in the world of music. My thoughts and prayers for the departed soul. Om Shanti."

Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas wrote,"We have lost a gem today. Padma Vibhushan Shri Shiv Kumar Sharma ji Santoor virtuoso. A big loss to Indian classical music. May his soul rest in eternal peace Om Shanti."

Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan said Pandit Shivkumar Sharma's passing marked the end of an era.

"He was the pioneer of santoor and his contribution is unparalleled," the ustad tweeted.

"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," he tweeted.

(Inputs from IANS) 

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