From ‘Baje Sargam Har Taraf Se’ to collaborating with Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia as music composer for Chandni, Darr, Silsila – a look at Pandit Shivkumar Sharma’s musical journey

By Vandana Srivastawa

on May 10, 2022 02:53:01 PM

Indian music composer and santoor legend Pandit Shivkumar Sharma passed away in Mumbai today on May 10. The maestro was 84-years-old and was suffering from kidney-related issues for the last six months and was on dialysis. He passed away due to cardiac arrest.Born in Jammu, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma is credited for making the lesser-known stringed instrument, santoor from the valley a household classical name. He started learning santoor at the age of 13 years and enthralled his audience with his musical gift for several years. His first public performance was in 1955 in Mumbai.

Moreover, he also composed music for Hindi films as one half of the iconic duo Shiv-Hari in association with flutist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia. Pandit Shivkumar Sharma composed music for eight Hindi films namely Silsila (1981), Faasle (1985), Vijay (1988), Chandni (1989), Lamhe (1991), Parampara (1993), Sahibaan (1993) and Darr (1993). They also collaborated with guitarist Brij Bhushan Kabra in 1967 to produce the acclaimed concept album Call of the Valley. Check out some of the iconic songs composed by Pandit Shivkumar Sharma and Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia. He also provide background score for Jhanak Jhanak Paayal Baaje.

Dekha Ek Khawab - Silsila (1981)

Jadoo Teri Nazar - Darr (1993)

Mitwa - Chandni (1989)

Morni - Lamhe (1991)

Call of the Valley

He also collaborated with several notable musicians, singers and classical dancers for the song Desh Raag (Goonje Sargam Har Taraf Se), a celebration of the nation through classical music and dance. It was released in the morning of August 15, 1989 and it was a glimpse at India through its rich cultural music, dance and diverse culture.

Baje Sargam Har Taraf Se Goonje Bankar Desh Raag

Pandit Shivkumar Sharma's funeral will be held in Mumbai. His demise was mourned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well who took to social media to express the nation's loss.

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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 10, 2022

Shivkumar Sharma is the recipient of national and international awards, including an honorary citizenship of the city of Baltimore, USA, in 1985, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1986 and India's civilian honours the Padma Shri in 1991, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2001.