SANJAY PANDITA
Dalip Langoo, born in 1961 in the quaint neighborhood of Badiyari Bala in Srinagar, stands as a towering figure in the rich cultural tapestry of Indian music. Growing up in the idyllic surroundings of Kashmir, Langoo was immersed in the region’s profound cultural and artistic heritage from a young age. His life’s journey, marked by a profound dedication to the preservation and propagation of Kashmiri heritage, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his art and his roots.
Langoo’s early years were steeped in the musical traditions of his homeland. Inspired by the serene beauty of the Kashmiri landscape and the soulful melodies that echoed through the valleys, he developed a deep connection with the music and culture of the region. This connection became the cornerstone of his life’s work, driving him to delve into the rich tapestry of Kashmiri folk music, Sufiana Kalam, and other traditional forms.
As a young artist, Langoo faced the challenges of a rapidly changing world where traditional art forms were often overshadowed byDalip Langoo modern influences. Undeterred, he dedicated himself to mastering the intricacies of Kashmiri music, becoming not only a performer but also a custodian of a cultural legacy. His commitment extended beyond mere performance; he became a passionate advocate for the preservation of Kashmiri music, understanding the importance of keeping these traditions alive for future generations.
Langoo’s journey was not without its trials. The socio-political upheavals in Kashmir presented significant obstacles, but his resolve remained unshaken. He sought to use music as a means of fostering peace and unity, believing in its power to transcend barriers and bring people together. Through his performances, workshops, and collaborations with other artists, he worked tirelessly to ensure that the music of Kashmir resonated not only within the region but also on a global stage.
Langoo’s early education laid the foundation for his multifaceted career. He began his academic journey at Vinayak School in Ganpatyar before moving on to Kendriya Vidyalaya in Srinagar, where he completed his schooling up to the 10th grade. His academic path continued at MP Higher Secondary School, where he completed his 11th and 12th grades. Despite a burgeoning interest in music, Langoo managed to balance his passion with his academic pursuits, completing his graduation as a private candidate. His mother, recognizing his potential and passion, encouraged him to further his education, leading him to obtain a postgraduate degree in Hindi with a specialization in Lexicography from the University of Kashmir. These academic achievements, however, were always paralleled by an ever-growing involvement in music—a love affair that had captured his heart from a young age.
Langoo’s formal musical journey began in the mid-1980s when he joined the Institute of Music and Fine Arts in Srinagar, initially as a hobby. Every Sunday, he would immerse himself in lessons under the tutelage of Pandit Tej Krishen Jalali. At home, his musical education continued under the guidance of Pandit Krishen Langoo and Pandit Prithvi Nath Raina at the Institute of Fine Arts. This early training was comprehensive, covering various aspects of Indian classical music. Langoo’s home was a sanctuary of music, where he received Tabla lessons from Shri Hukum Chand and Shri Krishan Sharma of Doordarshan, while Shri Ram Narayan Sharma of Doordarshan taught him the Harmonium at the Kharyar Gopinath Ashram. These foundational years were critical in shaping Langoo’s musical prowess and versatility.
A pivotal moment in Langoo’s musical journey was an encounter with the legendary composer Salil Chaudhary, who visited Srinagar with Bharat Darshan, a musical dance drama presentation. During this visit, Chaudhary’s music arranger, Shri Bhomanand Bhogeshwar, who was also a favorite musician of Lata Mangeshkar, dined at the Langoo household. Bhogeshwar’s magical fingers on the Harmonium left an indelible impression on the young Dalip Langoo, igniting a passion for music that was to become a lifelong devotion. This encounter was not just a fleeting inspiration but a catalyst that propelled Langoo into a life dedicated to music.
Langoo’s career, spanning several decades, is a rich tapestry of musical contributions. He has composed music scores for television serials, feature films, stage plays, and YouTube creations, showcasing his versatility and breadth as an artist. Notably, his work on Hollywood films such as “Half Widow” and Canadian films like “Viloma,” along with numerous Bollywood films and over 500 television serials in India, highlights his global reach and influence. His ability to sing in more than 22 languages further attests to his adaptability and skill as a singer.
Langoo’s collaborations with legendary singers and music directors have further cemented his prominence in the music industry. He has shared the stage and albums with renowned artists such as Malika Pukhraj, Anup Jalota, Anuradha Paudwal, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Ravindra Jain, and Sonu Nigam, among others. His direction of dance dramas like “Vasantotsawa,” “Boonyi,” “Krishnagaman,” and “Asi Kary Dour Pat e Wath” at prestigious venues such as Sirifort New Delhi, IGNCA New Delhi, and Vishnu Das Bhave in Navi Mumbai, showcases his talent and versatility as a composer and director.
Television serials such as “Gul Gulshan Gulfam,” “Say e Devdaar Ke,” “Bulbul Bagh,” and “Rajtarangini” brought Langoo to national prominence as a playback singer. His devotional music albums such as “Omkaar Naad,” “Lal E Vaak,” “Man Bhaj Shivomkar,” “Indrakshi Poojan,” “Shiv Sutra,” and “Shiv Mahimna Stotra” have been widely circulated globally, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and accomplished artist. These albums, deeply rooted in spiritual and devotional themes, resonate with listeners across the world, reflecting Langoo’s ability to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers through music.
Beyond performance and composition, Langoo is deeply committed to preserving the Vedic-Sanatan legacy through music. His extensive collection of Sanskrit scriptural music includes over 45 music albums and more than 650 YouTube presentations, featuring works such as the “Panchastawi” and “Bhagwad Gita” in the regional language of Kashmiri. His projects often focus on the folklore of Kashmir, the Shaiva and Shakta way of life of Kashmiri Pandits, Naadyoga music, and various aspects of pooja (ritual worship). Langoo’s dedication to cultural preservation is evident in his meticulous work to document and share these rich traditions with a broader audience.
Langoo’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. He has been an Approved Singer with All India Radio (AIR) since 1974, where his songs are regularly featured. His stage performances have been equally noteworthy, with significant appearances in operas such as “Himala Ke Cheshme” (1976), “Tipu Sultan” (1978), “Piya Baaj Pyala” (1979), and “Subuh Phol” in Bangalore and Hyderabad (1979). His role as an Assistant Director to Shri Pran Kishore Kaul during the 12th Festival of Asian Arts in Hong Kong in 1988 and his participation in the UGC Cultural Exchange Program across India further underscore his contributions to the cultural landscape.
Langoo’s accolades are numerous, reflecting his significant impact on music and the arts. He has received the Kshemendra Samman for Excellence in Performing Arts in New Delhi (1995), the Ahseesh Samman in Jammu (1998), the Kashmeer Keeriti Samman in Pune (2012), and the Koshur Rag Samman at SKICC Srinagar in collaboration with the J&K UT Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages. The title of “Naadbindu,” conferred upon him by Shri Pt. Balasaheb Poonchwale of the Gwalior Gharana, acknowledges his inner Naadyoga music experience—a spiritual practice cultivated through years of Tapasya and Sangeet Sadhana.
One of Langoo’s significant achievements was the COMMUNITY SINGING program produced by the late Bhajan Sopori Ji. In this remarkable endeavor, Langoo and his team trained 1200 Kashmiri children, culminating in a grand presentation at the Sheri Kashmir Indoor Stadium to a packed audience. Iconic compositions such as “Sahibo Sath Cham me chani” were created during this show, showcasing the collective talent and spirit of the Kashmiri youth under Langoo’s guidance.
Langoo’s current work is a testament to his ongoing commitment to divine music and Naadyoga techniques. He is actively engaged in propagating the Indrakshi Maha Yantram and other cultural aspects of rich heritage through his ambitious 100 City Tour mission of the “Song of Return.” Additionally, he is serving as a Senior Research Fellow for the CCRT Ministry of Culture, Government of India, for the 2023-25 session, contributing to the academic and cultural discourse on Indian music.
Langoo’s influence extends to global platforms as well. He was among the first Indians to perform on the Global Music Platform Sessions Live (2021-22) in four languages, showcasing a diverse set of Indian scriptural singing, devotional music, and entertainment segments featuring old Hindi film songs. His spiritual journey has seen him perform various rituals and poojas in Kashmir, including the installation of a Shivling at Dhumbpora Srinagar under the Rudra Jagaran program and the Ram Parikrama program, which included the Aawahanam of Ram and Rudra as part of a divine mission.
Langoo’s recent work includes a music and dance presentation on the arrival of Shri Ram in Tulmul, Kashmir, performed at Ayodhya in March 2024. This presentation, which he created as a lyricist, singer, and composer, is a significant milestone in his career, blending the spiritual and cultural essence of Kashmir with the broader Indian cultural narrative.
In essence, Dalip Langoo’s life and career are a profound testament to the power of music as a medium of cultural preservation and spiritual expression. His unwavering dedication to his art, coupled with his deep-rooted commitment to his heritage, has not only enriched the cultural landscape of Kashmir but has also left an indelible mark on the global stage. As a luminary in the realm of Indian music, Langoo continues to inspire, educate, and enchant audiences with his timeless contributions, ensuring that the rich cultural tapestry of Kashmir remains vibrant and alive for generations to come.
The writer can be reached at sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com
