Pandit Bhajan Sopori, a legendary Santoor master who was also a recipient of the Padma Shree award, died on Thursday at Fortis hospital in Gurgaon. His last rites will be perfromed at the Lodhi crematorium in Delhi on Friday. The Padma Shree awardee was undergoing treatment for cancer at the Fortis Hospital, Gurgaon.
Sopori, who was formerly known as Pandit Bhajan Lal and was born in Srinagar in 1948. Sopori is survived his wofe and two sons- Abhay and Sorabh.
"He was diagnosed with colon cancer last year in June. We admitted him to Fortis, Gurugram, three weeks back for immunotherapy treatment. It didn't work for him and his health deteriorated," his son Abhay told PTI.
Pandit Bhajan Sopori was a maestro of the traditional Indian musical instrument, Santoor and a renowned musician. On the occasion of the 67th anniversary of India's Republic Day, he was presented with the Jammu and Kashmir State Lifetime Achievement Award. He also received multiple aloccades including the Padma Shri in 2004 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1992.
Well-known personalities from the music industry and politics have shared condolenscene messages on their social media handles.
Politician Omar Abdullah took to his official Twitter handle and wrote, “Very sorry to hear about the tragic demise of Padma Shri Pandit Bhajan Sopori sahib.A great son of the soil, he was a colossus in the world of classical Indian music who made the santoor his own.May his soul rest in peace. My condolences to @abhaysopori and the rest of his family.”
Actor Bhasha Sumbli wrote, “Such a noble, pure & loving soul. Shattering news. Irreparable loss to the world of music. Om shanti.” Another one said, “After Shiv Kumar Sharma, top J&K santoor maestro Pandit Bhajan Sopori is no more. Saw him first when I was a children’s program participant at RKS & Bhajan ji was Music Producer. Top singers like Shameem Dev are his creation. Met him, his wife & son last time in Srinagar. RIP!”