Shivkumar Sharma is a renowned Indian santoor player and one of the leading instrumentalists in the field of classical music. He was born on January 13, 1938, in Jammu, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. 

Shivkumar Sharma was born into a family with a strong musical background. His father, Uma Dutt Sharma, was a classical singer, and Shivkumar showed an early interest in music.

He began his formal training in music at the age of five, learning the tabla from his father and vocals from vocalist Pandit Amar Nath.

Parada Kahanee

Initially trained as a tabla player, Shivkumar Sharma later switched to the santoor, an ancient Indian string instrument.

The santoor is a trapezoid-shaped hammered dulcimer with a large number of strings, played with a pair of light wooden mallets.

Shivkumar Sharma is credited with popularizing the santoor and elevating it to the status of a solo classical instrument.

He modified and redesigned the traditional santoor, increasing the number of strings and making other structural changes to enhance its tonal quality and range.

Shivkumar Sharma’s debut performance on the santoor took place in Mumbai in 1955, and he soon gained recognition for his virtuosity and innovation.

He collaborated with renowned musicians, including Pandit Ravi Shankar and Zakir Hussain, exploring new dimensions in Indian classical music.

Apart from his classical performances, Shivkumar Sharma has also contributed to the film industry. He composed music for several Hindi films, most notably in collaboration with flautist Hariprasad Chaurasia.

The soundtrack of the film “Silsila” (1981) is one of his notable works in the realm of film music.

Shivkumar Sharma has received numerous awards for his contributions to music, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, which are among the highest civilian honors in India.

Shivkumar Sharma’s dedication to the santoor and his innovative approach to classical music have had a profound impact on the Indian music scene.

He has inspired generations of musicians and has played a crucial role in bringing the santoor to the forefront of Indian classical music.

Shivkumar Sharma’s contribution to the world of classical music, both as a performer and a composer, has earned him widespread acclaim and admiration. His ability to blend tradition with innovation has left an indelible mark on the rich tapestry of Indian classical music.