Celebs from Kajol to Hema Malini mourn musician Shivkumar Sharma’s demise

Sharma was popularly known as the ‘Father of the Santoor’

In an upsetting turn of events, legendary Indian musician and Santoor player Pandit Shivkumar Sharma passed away on May 10. He was 84 years old. The artist, who has been credited with popularising the once little-known musical instrument, was also the recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri in 1991 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2001. Following his demise, several celebrities took to social media to mourn Sharma's death.

Bollywood actor Kajol took to Twitter and wrote, "The loss of a musical genius. May you rest in peace Pandit ShivKumar Sharma. My condolences to the family." Veteran star Hema Malini tweeted a picture with Sharma, whom she referred to as a “gentleman to the core”. The yesteryear actor posted, “One more legend, Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, Santoor maestro, passes away. A gentleman to the core, he will be missed by many associated with him as also his admirers all over the world. I have had the good opportunity to interact with him on many occasions. My heart goes out to his family.”

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur said that the “beautiful sounds” from Sharma’s Santoor will always be in his heart. “Amazing musician and composer. A man that always was kind and forever smiling. The beautiful sounds from his Santoor will forever be present in our hearts.” Moreover, actor Yami Gautam shared that Sharma shall always remain one of the “true maestros and gems of India.”

Actor-politician Urmila Mantodkar expressed, “Music drenched in Divinity. RIP Maestro! Grateful for your music.” Bollywood's ace singer Shreya Ghosal wrote, "Very sad to know that the great Padma Vibhushan Pandit Shivkumar Sharma Ji has left us for his heavenly abode. It’s the end of an era. My deepest condolences to his family.”

Singer Adnan Sami mentioned that he was devastated by the news of his guru Pandit Shivkumar Sharma’s passing. "I am devastated by the sad news of my Guru Pandit Shivkumar Sharma Ji's demise. I owe my Indian Classical Music education to him & he was an inspiration to me. He was not just the ‘Father of the Santoor’ but was also one of the greatest musicians of our times. RIP Shiv Ji."

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday announced a state funeral for the late musician.