Jaywant Naidu

Pandit Ratan Sharma, lovingly known in music circles as the “Harmonium Master,” carries a legacy that blends tradition, devotion, and generations of musical excellence. A proud mentor to his granddaughters Jyothi Sharma and Devika Sharma—both rising stars in the world of Indian music—he finds his greatest joy not in accolades, but in their achievements.

Recalling his formative years, Ratan Sharma speaks with reverence about his gurus. “My teacher in Ujjain, Guru Kaluram, was a Sarangi player who always said, ‘Khane ke saath daal hona aur sangeet ke saath taal hona’—there should be daal in food and rhythm in music,” he reflects. Later, his journey took him to Mumbai, where he trained under Guru Mohan Singh, a respected name in the Hindi film recording circuit. “If my fingers move on the harmonium at this breathtaking speed, it is all due to his blessings,” he says humbly. His vintage harmonium, first played in 1955, remains his most cherished companion. With visible wear on its wooden keys, it stands as a silent witness to decades of dedication. “Yeh mera saathi hai,” he says fondly—this is my partner.

For Ratan Sharma, his greatest pride is his family’s musical ascent. Jyothi Sharma has already made a mark as a finalist on Suron Ka Eklavya 22 (DD National), winner of the 6th edition Khazana Ghazal Festival, recipient of the Yuva Pratibha Singing Talent Hunt 2023 by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and finalist of the Asha Ki Asha International Talent Hunt. Her sister Devika Sharma is also emerging as a promising young artist with a bright future ahead.

The family’s musical thread is further strengthened by his son Govind Sharma, a tabla player who also manages the performances and schedules of the young artistes, ensuring their talents reach wider audiences. Ratan Sharma’s journey has also placed him alongside legends, having shared musical spaces with ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali and Vithal Rao. Today, he continues to dedicate his time to teaching students at his home near Kabutar Khana in Hyderabad. “It is my duty to teach the younger generation as a tribute to my gurus who gave me everything about music and life,” he says, embodying the spirit of a true custodian of tradition—where every note played is a continuation of a timeless legacy.