Santoor Maestro Pandit Shivkumar Sharma: From Refusal to Global Stardom

• Pandit Shivkumar Sharma transformed the Santoor from a folk instrument to a classical music staple, adapting its structure and playing technique.
• His father, Pandit Uma Dutt Sharma, prophesied his son's profound impact on the Santoor's legacy.
• Formed the iconic 'Shiv-Hari' duo with Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, composing music for Bollywood hits like Chandni, Lamhe, Darr, and Silsila.
• Honored with Padma Shri (1991) and Padma Vibhushan (2001) for his immense contributions to Indian classical music.
• His album 'Call of the Valley' is a landmark in Indian classical music, featuring Santoor, Flute, and Guitar, depicting Kashmir's valleys.

Why It Matters: Pandit Shivkumar Sharma revolutionized the Santoor, elevating it to classical prominence and leaving an indelible mark on Indian music.