Santoor maestro

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind were among those who condoled Sharma's death.

“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 Prime Minister said.

The President said 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,” the President tweeted.

The tributes poured in.

“Sad to know about the demise of Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, eminent Santoor player and internationally celebrated Indian music composer. His departure impoverishes our cultural world. My deepest condolences,” tweeted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah wrote: “Very sad to hear about the passing of Pandit Shivkumar Sharma. A legend in his lifetime, he popularised the santoor like no one before him. A proud son of the soil, he made his mark globally. My condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace.”

Sarod player Amjad Ali Khan said Sharma's death was a personal loss for him.

“The passing away of Pandit Shivkumar Sharmaji marks the end of an era. He was the pioneer of Santoor and his contribution is unparalleled. 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,” Khan tweeted.

Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas and veteran actor Shabana Azmi also condoled Sharma's death.

Veteran actor and BJP MP Hema Malini described Sharma as a gentleman to the core.

The post on the official Twitter handle of Yashraj Films read: “Pandit #ShivkumarSharma blessed the world of music with tunes that will continue to mesmerize the coming generations. May his soul rest in peace.”

Ashok Vajpeyi, eminent Hindi poet and Sharma's good friend, said the santoor player was “easily the greatest musician to emerge from his native Kashmir”.

Classical singer Pt Vijay Kichlu said Sharma was “more than a brother” to him.

“Since he was also a Kashmiri like me we were very close to each other and met frequently. We used to be together for at least fourfive weeks once a year. The world of music has seen something entirely new during his lifetime because it was him who first brought a rural Kashmiri instrument (Santoor) to a classical platform,” he stated.

Sharma received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1986, followed by the Padma Shri in 1991, and the Padma Vibhushan in

2001.