Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, a well-known Indian classical musician best known for playing the Santoor, died of heart death in Mumbai at the age of 84. The maestro has been on dialysis for the past six months due to kidney problems.
Shivkumar Sharma, who was born in Jammu and Kashmir, was introduced to music by his father and went on to make the musical instrument santoor famous around the world with his unique playing technique.
On Twitter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the musician, writing, “Pandit Shivkumar Sharma Ji’s death has made our cultural world a poorer place. He made the Santoor famous all over the world. Generations to come will be enthralled by his music. I have wonderful memories of our interactions. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti .”
Pankaj Udhas, a ghazal singer, was one of many who expressed condolences for Sharma’s passing on social media.
Udhas remarked on Twitter, “We have lost a gem today Padma Vibhushan Shri Shiv Kumar Sharma ji Santoor virtuoso a tremendous loss to the Indian classical music.”
