Dr. Mushtaque B Barq
It is heart-wrenching to see a friend, a mentor, and a motivator leaving this mortal world. Life has once again turned a page in my journal — the page where names of those I lost are tearfully written in the column of remembrance. These tears, at times, turn into ink to write the script of yet another episode of life. Fayaz Dilber met me seven years ago and instantly showed deep interest in my fiction writing. From that day onwards, he would often call just to listen to my stories and poems, offering suggestions and sharing invaluable tips that always helped me move forward. A jolly good fellow, he had this rare charm of scolding you with a smile — a blend of warmth, wit, and wisdom that few possess. A talented filmmaker, a sharp critic, and a profound poet, Fayaz Dilber was a complete creative soul — his words had the rhythm of poetry, his films the pulse of human emotion, and his thoughts the clarity of a philosopher.
As a fiction writer, screenplay and dialogue writer, documentary filmmaker, and director, Fayaz Dilber carved a distinguished niche for himself in the world of art and literature. He served as a consultant for the University of Maryland (USA), Department of Foreign Languages, contributing to its Kashmir Project.
His literary contributions in Kashmiri include Harrnis Tapass Andhar, along with remarkable fiction works like Azizan Bai, Parwaaz, Urdu Theatre Ek Safarnama, Rabtaay, Rishtay Nate, and Baal Meroyu.
As a filmmaker, his vision illuminated several social, cultural, and humanitarian themes. Among his acclaimed documentaries are:
Mind Your Steps for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC),
Mewat…The Entity for the Aga Khan Foundation and SARD, exploring the sociolect-cultural life of Meo Muslims in India,
Know Their Land for SPWD New Delhi, focusing on wastelands development and water resource management — screened at the Environment and Wildlife Film Festival in New Delhi,
Moot Court Competition for the ICRC,
Living Legends, a moving documentary on the Drokpas,
Kiran, a series on lesser-known philanthropists of India, and
Koshish, a tribute to Indian social activists.
He also produced a special feature on Painters and Musicians of India, covering icons such as M. F. Husain, S. H. Raza, B. C. Sanyal, G. R. Santosh, and music maestros Ustad Bismillah Khan, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Allah Rakha Khan Sahib, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Pandit Vishva Mohan Bhatt, and Hari Prasad Chaurasia — for Pritish Nandy Communications, Mumbai.
A versatile writer, Fayaz Dilber penned screenplays and dialogues for memorable works like Bandhan, Tanha Tanha, Lakeerein, Purana Ghar, and Sone Ka Khazan. His stage plays, Mai Tu Oor Amrita and Gudiya Na He Rowayghe, won him a revered place in the realm of theatre.
His career also spanned journalism, where he worked as Assistant Editor for Daily Srinagar Times and founded the Kashmir News Bureau. He served as a staff correspondent for Video News Magazine AAJ Hindustan Times and later joined the Observer Group as a senior correspondent for Observer News Channel.
As a short story writer, Fayaz Dilber was known for his subtle themes and powerful narration. His characters, drawn from everyday life, grew organically within his stories. His scenes were vivid — like living paintings — for he had an artist’s eye for color, tone, and texture, which he skillfully infused into his storytelling. Fayaz Dilber was not merely a creator; he was a movement in himself — one who bridged cultures, languages, and mediums with effortless grace. His words will continue to echo, his frames will continue to inspire, and his ideas will continue to guide generations of artists and dreamers.
Today, as we bid farewell, we are left with a void , a chasm never to be filled. His laughter, his passion, his art , all remain immortalized in his work and in the hearts of those who knew him. May Allah grant his soul eternal peace.
Fayaz Dilber — a light that shall forever guide the seekers of truth, art, and beauty.
Dr.Mushtaque B.Barq is a Columnist, Poet and Fiction Writer. He is the author of “Feeble prisoner, “ Wings of Love” and many translation works are credited to the author like “ Verses Of Wahab
