SANJAY PANDITA
In the bustling streets of Srinagar, amidst the enchanting melody of life, there walked a man who seemed to have emerged from the tales of old. Ghulam Qadir Langoo, a troubadour of our times, would gracefully make his way along Residency Road, caught between the realms of reality and music. One could sense that he resided across the Budshah Bridge, in the mystical enclave of Shaheed Ganj. His presence was reminiscent of a mystical dervish, with his charismatic communication style, attire that whispered of forgotten traditions, and an appearance that bore witness to a life intertwined with music and wonder.
Like a pied piper, Ghulam Qadir Langoo would enchant his audiences with his soulful voice, his nimble feet dancing to the rhythm of his heart. He was a maestro of various instruments, effortlessly conjuring melodies from the Noatt (Matka), Tumbaknaari, Harmonium, and Taanpura. But it was in the company of others that his voice truly soared, as if it carried the echoes of a thousand voices from the mountains themselves. He had the remarkable ability to unite people through his music, transcending barriers and touching hearts.
Amidst a society steeped in tradition and convention, Ghulam Qadir Langoo dared to be a catalyst of change. He played an instrumental role in bringing forth the enchanting voices of women who, confined by societal norms, had long been silent. Raj Begum and other female singers found solace and expression under his wing, as he fearlessly brought their melodies to the airwaves of Radio Kashmir. He stood as a beacon of hope, challenging the norms of a conservative era, and paving the way for a new generation of artists.
Though a master of his craft, Ghulam Qadir Langoo remained humble and unassuming, choosing to walk the path of simplicity. His signature gait earned him the endearing nickname of the “Kashmiri Michael Jackson,” a testament to his grace and charm. It was whispered that he carried the ancient wisdom of Sufiana singing and the elegant movements of Hafiz Nagma dance within his being. A storyteller through his music, he once revealed that his lineage was woven with the threads of artistry. His grandfather, a master of mimicry, had passed down the torch of creativity to his father, a Sufiana singer and Santoor player. Their melodies had once resonated in the grand Darbar of Maharaja Hari Singh, adding to the tapestry of Kashmiri culture.
The illustrious journey of Ghulam Qadir Langoo brought him before the luminaries of his time. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, and Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad were among the fortunate few who witnessed his captivating performances. Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad, in particular, became a frequent recipient of his musical offerings. In a moment of candor, Ghulam Qadir Langoo playfully deflected advice, invoking the divine, saying, “What shall Lord Shiva do if I quit smoking?”
His passion for music expanded beyond his own repertoire, leading him to explore the vast realms of Hindustani Classical Music. He held Pandit Shamboo Nath Sopori in the highest esteem, acknowledging his mentorship and guidance. The intricate ragas of Hindustani classical music found a place in his heart, forever enriching his artistic expression. As our conversation shifted to the transformative power of Radio Kashmir, his eyes sparkled with admiration for Mohan Lal Aima. According to him, Aima revolutionized Kashmiri music and singing,
Ghulam Qadir Langoo, the wandering minstrel of Kashmir, was not confined to the walls of Radio Kashmir alone. He embarked on a musical pilgrimage, traveling far and wide, carrying his Taanpura as a loyal companion. He graced the presence of legendary artists such as Lata Mangeshkar, Mohinder Kapoor, and Begum Akhtar, adorning their melodies with the harmonious drone of his instrument. The Taanpura, like a devoted servant, breathed life into their performances, lending a mystical aura to their every note.
Syed Zeeshan Fazil, a doyen of the broadcasting world, reminisced about his encounters with Ghulam Qadir Langoo. Their paths intersected in the realm of creativity, where Fazil had the privilege of interviewing the maestro on multiple occasions. It was a divine fusion of talents, orchestrated by the brilliant mind of Naseem Khan. The mellifluous result left an indelible mark on Fazil’s memory. In 1989, they united once again, this time for a special New Year program. Ghulam Qadir Langoo’s soulful rendition of a Kashmiri song, infused with a contemporary twist, captivated the audience and soared to the pinnacle of acclaim.
His influence extended beyond the realm of music, as he nurtured the blossoming talents of female voices. Rita Kaul, a gifted singer herself, fondly recalled the moments when Ghulam Qadir Langoo graced the studio at Radio Kashmir. With his Taanpura resonating in harmony, he became a guiding light, offering his blessings and support. Arti Tiku Kaul, another renowned vocalist, cherished the memories of their collaborations. She vividly remembered his hand resting on her head, invoking a sense of tranquility and bestowing words of encouragement before and after every performance. A master of mimicry, he would regale the artists with his comical acts, imitating various styles of music with nonsensical words, sparking contagious laughter among all.
Ghulam Qadir Langoo’s legacy lies not only in his own musical prowess but also in the invaluable contributions he made to the Kashmiri music landscape. Through his efforts, he unearthed the hidden gems of Raj Begum, Zoon Begum, and Naseem Akhtar, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents. It was a formidable task, considering the conservative nature of Kashmiri society at the time. Yet, he defied conventions, breaking through the barriers that confined these voices to the confines of their homes.
The magic of Ghulam Qadir Langoo’s music lay not only in the notes he played or the words he sang, but also in the way he connected with his audience. With a twinkle in his eyes and a smile that radiated warmth, he embraced his listeners, drawing them into his world of melodies. He made them feel seen and understood, as if their stories were woven into the fabric of his songs.
In the twilight of his life, at the ripe age of a century, Ghulam Qadir Langoo departed from this mortal realm, leaving behind a profound void in the hearts of music lovers. He found solace in the abode of his younger son, Mohammad Ramzan, nestled in the tranquil streets of Aloochi Bagh.
The echoes of his melodies continue to reverberate, as his timeless artistry transcends the boundaries of time and space.
The author can be reached at sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com
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