Mention the word santoor, and the first name that comes to mind is the late Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, the musician credited with bringing the trapezoid-shaped string instrument known to the world.

On Saturday 3^rd February 2024, Rahul Sharma, the maestro’s son, paid tribute to his father with a concert titled ‘Agam’ at the Nehru Centre, Worli.

Verus Ferreira spoke to Rahul Sharma to get to know more about the concert and his bonding with his father.

You had a concert ‘Agam’ in honour of your dad. When you play a concert dedicated to him, what thoughts come to mind?

Yes, the idea is to remember him as he was the founder of the instrument santoor and created a language for it and spread the music of santoor worldwide. Each time I perform its not only remembering him, but taking his message and music further. If it’s a concert for charity, are you generous to a cause and waive your artist fee for such events? I definitely have done my fair bit of charity at times.

On his birth anniversary on 13th January this year, a park in Bandra was named after your dad. How did this come about and what do you think about this novel gesture to remember your dad? 

It’s incredible that the legendary Shiv Kumar Sharma will just not only  be remembered through his music, but also through a landmark in the heart of Pali Hill in Bandra, where he lived for a good 60 years, after he came to Mumbai from Jammu - Kashmir. It’s a novel idea and I would definitely thank MLA Ashish Shelar and the BMC for this gesture as the park will benefit future generations too.

Can you share a few of your fondest memories of your father?

I wouldn’t know where to begin with, as more than half my life I have travelled with him across the world performing and enjoying each other’s company and learning from him. Fondest memories would be childhood vacations in Kashmir. 

What advice would you think he left you with?

Well he was thoroughly happy with the symphony of santoor which I created in South Africa with 50 musicians. His advice was to always continue being innovative and experimental inspite of maintaining tradition. He was my Guru and today whatever I am is thanks to him.

Who have been your role models when it comes to music?

I love listening to Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Sting, Simple Minds. 

Your father did a lot of Bollywood work in the past. You don’t seem to have taken over from where he left.

Well I used to assist him during college days and infact the hit in ‘Lambe’ Kabhi main kahoon. was composed by me. I did get an incredible opportunity to work with Lata Mangeshkar with hit numbers like Andekhi Anjani, Jaane dil main and many others. Infact my recent work as a composer was on OTT for Kunal Kohli’s ‘Ramyug’ where I enjoyed working and composing for Amitabh Bachchan who sang my composition, also with Ustad Rashid Khan, Sonu Nigam.  Composing for films takes up a lot of time and I do travel a lot for concerts across the globe. 

What was your son Abhinav’s equation with your father? Did he pick up music through him?

My son Abhinav’s first Guru was his grandfather and they loved each others company, now he is learning from me.

Has your son Abhinav taken to music?

Well, he’s young now though he is showing interest. We recently came out with ‘Time Traveler 2’ in which Abhinav plays the santoor with me in the video by Saregama.

What is Rahul Sharma when he is not behind the santoor?

I’m a home bird and I enjoy spending time with my family or being on vacation with Barkha and Abhinav.

You haven’t come out with a new collection of melodies or album?

I did come up with several independent songs and some fusion singles. The time for full fledged albums has passed.

You have worked with some renowned names in the music world, pianist Richard Clayderman, psy-chill out pioneers Deep Forest, smooth jazz artist Kenny G, Egyptian Oud maestro Georges Kazazian. Which has been your favorite collaboration?

I enjoyed working with Clayderman, Kenny G, Deep Forest and grew a lot through those collaborations.

When it comes to album covers and formal occasions, you surely strike a pose with the latest styles. Does your wife Barkha sort your fashion designs?

Barkha has been a major influence in inspiring me with not only music ideas, but also she has been instrumental in being a support throughout whether its fashion music or life.  As for album covers, yes, most of my album cover looks have been designed by her. 

You have been in the music industry for almost 30 years, what do you think is important to succeed as a musician?

Innovation, experiments and perseverance and Riyaaz are a foregone conclusion if you need to continue this journey for a long innings.

What is unique about the santoor when compared to the other musical instruments from India? 

Santoor was originally called Shata tantri veena which means an instrument with 100 strings. With the gypsies it travelled out of Kashmir and is known by different names across the globe. The original Kashmiri santoor has been modified by my father and adapted to Indian classical styles with finer nuances which make the santoor totally unique.

Any new projects you’re working on?

I did a collaboration with Sukhbir Singh for the song Synergy which is just out.

Photos: Courtesy of the Artist

Interviewed by Verus Ferreira