SANJAY PANDITA
In the ethereal realm of art and culture, a luminary graces the stage, and his name resonates like a mellifluous melody carried on the winds of Kashmir’s pristine valleys. Ustaad Waheed Jeelani, a virtuoso of Sufi, Folk, and Light Classical vocals, stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend boundaries and touch the soul. His journey, as intricately woven as a Kashmiri shawl, is a narrative of dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting the rich artistic heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
Waheed Jeelani’s story begins in the lap of natural beauty, amidst the picturesque landscapes of Kashmir, in the Khanyaar area of Srinagar. His early years were imbued with the mystic charm of the revered Shrine of Alamdar-i-Kashmir Shaikh Noor Din Noorani (RA) in Watakuloo, Charari Sharief, District Budgam, where nature’s own symphony nurtured his budding musical soul.
While academic pursuits beckoned, with enrollment at Amar Singh College, Srinagar, and further studies at Kashmir University, where he pursued a master’s degree in Political Science, the call of music was impossible to ignore. Born an artist, he embarked on his formal musical journey during his academic years, receiving initial guidance from the celebrated Ustad G.N. Sheikh, a stalwart in the realm of Kashmiri music.
Formal training in Light Music at the Radhika Music Institute in Bandra, Mumbai, and the gentle tutelage of Guru Pt. Malay Banerjee of Bengal in light classical music further honed his craft. In 1991, his talents found official recognition when he was approved as a singer on All India Radio, marking the inception of a remarkable musical career.
Over the course of more than three decades, Waheed Jeelani has worn many hats, each contributing to the rich tapestry of his artistic journey. He ascended to the role of Director of Programs at Zee-TV Kashmir, lending his creative vision to the cultural landscape of the region. His tenure as a senior artist in the Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, allowed him to play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of the state.
As a National Television Producer, Director, and Proprietor of M/s K. Audio Visual Centre, he wielded the camera and the pen as tools of artistic expression, weaving visual and auditory stories that resonated with audiences far and wide.
Yet, beyond his administrative and professional roles, Waheed Jeelani stands as a cultural ambassador par excellence. He has donned this mantle with grace, representing Jammu and Kashmir on international stages. Collaborating with celebrated artists, he orchestrated events, concerts, festivals, and workshops, nurturing and guiding young talents across the spectrum of performing arts.
However, the ambitions of this artistic luminary transcend the personal realm. Waheed Jeelani’s vision is nothing short of a cultural renaissance for Jammu and Kashmir. His fervent aim is to bridge the chasms between cultures, to foster an environment of peace and understanding through the universal language of art. He envisions a world where artists, especially the youth, are given a platform to showcase their talents in all their diverse forms.
To realize these dreams, Waheed Jeelani actively participates in cultural exchange programs, mega events, cultural shows, and literary festivals, both within and outside the state. Through these endeavors, he ensures that talented individuals, along with the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, are exposed to the kaleidoscope of cultures and traditions that exist beyond their borders.
His ultimate goal is the establishment of an institute or academy that imparts artistic education to the young talents of Jammu and Kashmir, nurturing their abilities and empowering them to make their mark on the global stage. He envisions this institution as a crucible where artistic expression and understanding converge to build bridges of peace, friendship, and harmony.
Through his relentless efforts, Waheed Jeelani seeks to support the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially literary personalities and performing artists who face the turbulent tides of life, including financial and health-related challenges. His charity music concerts, festivals, shows, and fundraising programs bear testimony to his commitment to the well-being of his community.
In the eyes of Waheed Jeelani, art is more than entertainment; it is a powerful medium for social change and unity. He envisions a society where performing art occupies a central place in public discourse, where it awakens collective consciousness, and where it elevates the culture to its rightful status.
His artistic legacy extends beyond the boundaries of his music. He initiated a revolution in the early ‘90s with musical albums, concerts, and programs that captivated the hearts and minds of the youth in Jammu and Kashmir, redirecting their energies towards creative pursuits and away from negative influences.
In the commercial realm, his audio and video music albums have graced the market, selling in abundance, a testament to his enduring popularity and the resonance of his music with the masses.
On the international stage, Waheed Jeelani has proudly represented his state, performing and participating in cultural programs, concerts, and conferences in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, and Russia. His mission is clear – to promote the art, culture, and music of Jammu and Kashmir to a global audience.
Notably, he holds the distinction of being the only A-Top Grade Kashmiri Light Music Vocalist and Music Composer in Northern India, a recognition bestowed upon him at a remarkably young age. His senior-grade recognition as a Music Composer by the Directorate of All India Radio further solidifies his standing in the world of music.
As a member of the Executive Advisory Board of the J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, and the Founder and Chairman of The Kashmir Music Club, Srinagar, a not-for-profit, non-governmental registered cultural organization, he has been instrumental in shaping the cultural landscape of the region.
His influence extends beyond borders, as he serves as an Advisor and Coordinator (India) at the Kashmir Bhavan Centre, Luton London, United Kingdom, where he annually spearheads music concerts, festivals, operas, and workshops that celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of Jammu and Kashmir.
Waheed Jeelani’s reach within the cultural domain is vast and varied. He is an Executive Advisory Board Member of several Government and Non-Government Cultural Institutions and organizations dedicated to the promotion of Jammu and Kashmir’s art and culture.
Every year, the “Kashmir Music Festival” named “Shashrang” springs to life under his guidance, aiming to unearth and nurture the talents of young artists. This cultural extravaganza provides a larger stage for young and aspiring musicians, nurturing their craft, boosting their confidence, and honoring their contribution to the world of Light, Sufiyana, and Folk music.
Waheed Jeelani’s artistic canvas extends beyond music. He has actively participated and performed in various national and international conferences, seminars, and music concerts that aim to raise awareness about critical social issues. His performance alongside the renowned U.S.-based pop star Terra Naomi in a “Climate Change Concert” in 2010 in Srinagar exemplifies his commitment to using his art to address pressing global concerns.
More recently, he received an invitation from the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (I.C.D.) in Germany to attend a three-day international cultural conference held in Moscow and Berlin. Here, he represented his state and country, engaging in discussions on “The Artistic Cultural Diplomacy: Building Cultural Bridges through Art, Culture & Music.”
One of Waheed Jeelani’s most remarkable achievements is the creation of “WATTAN.” This magnum opus stands as a historic testament to Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage. In a pioneering effort, he brought together nearly 150 performing artists, intellectuals, and famous personalities to create an audiovisual masterpiece that captures the essence of Kashmir. “WATTAN” is a hymn to their beloved homeland, and it has been translated into English to broaden its reach and understanding among a global audience.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Waheed Jeelani displayed remarkable resilience and adaptability. He initiated “QARAAR,” an online initiative that served as a lifeline connecting Kashmiri artists from across the globe. Under this series, several concerts, music, and entertainment shows were organized and broadcast through social media platforms, providing much-needed solace and inspiration to both young and seasoned Kashmiri artists.
Waheed Jeelani’s dedication to his craft reached a pinnacle when he conceived, composed, and presented a 65-piece traditional Jammu and Kashmir musical symphony. This symphony was performed for visiting delegates from 20 countries during a historic G-20 event held in Srinagar. The symphony was met with resounding acclaim, showcasing the power of music to transcend language and cultural barriers.
Amidst this illustrious journey, Waheed Jeelani’s mantle is adorned with numerous awards and honors, both national and international. These accolades include the National Senior Fellowship Award by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the coveted “A-Top Grade” recognition for his vocal and composing talents.
His international acclaim took a momentous turn in 2005 when he received “The Artist of The Millennium Award” from the Kashmir Bhavan Centre in London, United Kingdom. This honor catapulted him onto the global stage, showcasing the universality of his art.
In 2010, the Government of Maharashtra, Pune, recognized his melodious voice as the “Voice of Kashmir,” a testament to the captivating magic he weaves with his music.
The zenith of recognition arrived in 2012 when he was directly awarded the coveted “A-Top Grade” as a Vocalist and Music Composer by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.The Bakhshi Memorial Award in 2012 further immortalized his contributions.
Among the honors he holds dear, the Khilat-e-Hanfi Sopori Award in 2014 from Adbi Markaz Kamraaz stands as a testament to his lasting impact on the cultural landscape.
His excellence transcended borders, garnering him the prestigious National Senior Fellowship Award in 2017-18 from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The Sopori Academy of Music & Performing Arts in Delhi acknowledged his mastery with the Sa Ma Pa Award in 2017.
The echoes of his contributions reached the sacred land of Jammu and Kashmir itself when he received the Shaarda Sammaan in 2018, a tribute from Radio Sharda in Jammu. The same year, the Government of Jammu & Kashmir paid homage to his dedication by conferring upon him the State Award.
Among the many jewels in his crown of achievements, some shine particularly bright. Notably, he was bestowed with the Special Jury Award in 2022 for the creation of “WATTAN,” a unique music video that resonated far and wide from Pune, Maharashtra. In 2019, the Harmony Cultural Foundation in New Delhi honored him with the Harmony Youth Icon Award, recognizing his influence as a cultural icon among the youth.
In the grand tapestry of Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural heritage, Ustaad Waheed Jeelani shines as a resplendent thread, weaving melodies of harmony, unity, and hope. His legacy will forever resonate through the timeless tunes and the enduring impact of his artistic endeavors.
The author can be reached at sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com
