Santoor maestro Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma passed away from a cardiac arrest at 84

Indian music composer and santoor maestro Pandit Shivkumar Sharma passes away in Mumbai. The 84-year-old had been suffering from kidney issues for the past six months, he was on dialysis. He passed away from a sudden cardiac arrest.

A family source told a leading publication, “He had a severe heart attack at around 9 am… He was active and was to perform in Bhopal next week. He was on regular dialysis but was still active.”

Pandit Shiv Kumar, born in Jammu and Kashmir had brought the santoor, a folk instrument from Jammu and Kashmir to the center stage. He is also believed to be the first musician to play Indian classical music on the santoor.

Santoor maestro Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma passes away.

Mourning his death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “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.

The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee has also reached out to the family of Pandit Shiv Kumar with condolences. She tweeted, “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.”

The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray has also announced a state funeral for the maestro.

Late Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma.