Rare are the instances in which the name of an artist becomes synonymous with the instrument he plays. One such artist is Pandit Shivkumar Sharma and the instrument is santoor. Ingenious, imaginative and innovative, he transformed the little-known Kashmiri folk instrument into a full-fledged solo concert instrument in Indian classical music.

Born in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, Shivkumar learned vocal music at a young age and acquired a respectable command over tabla. Later, he spent several years in developing and perfecting a new technique for playing classical music on santoor. His father, the late Pandit Uma Dutt Sharma, was his foremost teacher.

Currently, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma is recognized in India and abroad as one of the most accomplished exponent of Indian classical music. In 1987 the Sangeet Natak Academy bestowed on him the National Award for his unique contributions to Indian classical music.