In a condolence message to his family and admirers, Modi highlighted the blow to Indian culture of the death of Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, who, he noted, popularized the santur worldwide.

“His music will continue to captivate the next generations,” the Prime Minister added on Twitter.

The renowned musician passed away in Mumbai at the age of 84 due to a heart attack, after suffering from complications with his kidneys for the past few months.

Pandit Shivkumar Sharma is credited with introducing the santur, a percussion stringed instrument with Iranian origins, into Indian classical music, according to specialists.

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