Pandit Shivkumar Sharma

Pandit Shivkumar Sharma (13 January 1938 – 10 May 2022) was an iconic santoor maestro whose innovation transformed the instrument into a respected voice of Hindustani classical music. Born in Jammu, he began his musical journey learning vocal and tabla from his father, Uma Dutt Sharma, before switching to santoor at the age of 13. Through bold modifications—extending its range to three octaves, creating new string arrangements, and developing techniques for sustaining notes—he pioneered a style that emulated vocalization (gayaki ang) on a traditionally percussive instrument, earning him worldwide recognition. 

Sharma’s career was studded with prestigious awards, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1986), Padma Shri (1991), and Padma Vibhushan (2001). He achieved global acclaim for the ground-breaking album Call of the Valley(1967), alongside Hariprasad Chaurasia and Brij Bhushan Kabra, which introduced Indian classical music to a global audience. As half of the legendary Shiv‑Hari duo, he composed timeless Bollywood scores for Silsila, Chandni, and Lamhe. His collaborations also included performances with Zakir Hussain and participation in Indo-jazz projects like Remember Shakti, extending his reach across genres and borders.

At the Darbar Festival in London, Pandit Sharma left an indelible mark across three stellar appearances. In 2010 at King’s Place, he performed Raag Jog with master tabla artist Anindo Chatterjee, delivering a performance of rare lyrical depth on a staccato voice like the santoor, lasting over 50 minutes. In 2015 at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, he explored Raag Puriya Kalyan, Puriya Dhanashree, Pahadi, Piloo, and Khamaj, accompanied by Satyajit Talwalkar, presenting an emotionally resonant repertoire. By 2019, his presence at Darbar affirmed his enduring vitality and mastery, reaffirming why he is regarded as one of the greatest ambassadors of the santoor in contemporary classical music.

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