Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma who raised the profile of a little known folk instrument from J&K, passed away from renal ailments this week. Panditji started his santoor journey at the age of 13 and was also adept at the tabla, playing as an accompanist for the likes of Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. He formed a successful partnership with Hari Prasad Chaurasia for composing film music besides regaling audiences worldwide with his craft. He was honoured both nationally and internationally with the Padma Shri and the Padma Vibhushan along with honorary citizenship of Baltimore, USA. Panditji was the first artist from India to perform at the Nobel Prize ceremony giving company to the likes of music giants like Elton John, Phil Collins and Alanis Morissette. Thousands clamoured to be his students, some he took under his wing but never charged a fee for his efforts. Our cultural world is poorer by his demise but his music shall continue to enthral people in the coming generations. India has lost a shining star from its galaxy of greats -- rest in peace Panditji, the Gods in heaven must be enjoying the mellifluous notes of your 100-stringed santoor now.
