SANJAY PANDITA
In the heart of Srinagar, nestled amidst the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, there existed a world where tradition held sway over the aspirations of its inhabitants, especially its women. Yet, within this tapestry of cultural norms and societal expectations, there emerged a singular figure whose presence defied convention, whose voice echoed through the annals of time, leaving an indelible mark upon the very fabric of Kashmir’s rich heritage. This was the story of Naseem Akhter, a woman whose journey was woven with the thre
ads of resilience and passion for music, a journey that resonated far beyond the confines of her beloved homeland.
Born into an era where the rigid dictates of tradition sought to confine women to the domestic sphere, Naseem Akhter dared to challenge the status quo with her unwavering determination and boundless talent. From a young age, she found solace and inspiration in the melodies that echoed through the alleys of her hometown, Srinagar. Despite the whispers of skepticism and the raised eyebrows of those around her, she dared to dream of a life adorned with the ethereal strains of music, a life where her voice would serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration to all who heard it.
With each note she sang, Naseem Akhter shattered the barriers of tradition and prejudice, carving out a space for herself in a world that had long sought to silence women like her. Her voice, imbued with the soulful resonance of Kashmiri folk music, spoke to the hearts of those who listened, weaving tales of love, longing, and the timeless beauty of her homeland. Through her artistry, she became a symbol of empowerment and resilience, a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance.
With each performance, she carried with her the spirit of Kashmir, sharing its stories and traditions with audiences around the world. And though she may have traveled far from the alleys of Srinagar, her heart remained tethered to the land that had nurtured her dreams and shaped her destiny.
In the annals of history, the year 1951 stands as a pivotal moment in the life of Naseem Akhter, as she traversed the threshold of Radio Kashmir Srinagar, her voice a resounding beacon of hope amidst the tumultuous sea of societal prejudices. Within the hallowed halls of this esteemed institution, she embarked on a journey that would not only define her own destiny but also resonate across generations, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Kashmir.
Amidst the daunting challenges that awaited her, Naseem Akhter embraced her calling as a casual artist with unparalleled grace and unwavering dedication. Her ascent from a casual artist to a revered staff member at Radio Kashmir Srinagar was not merely a testament to her artistic prowess but also a poignant manifestation of her steadfast resolve to challenge the entrenched gender biases of her time.
Her journey was fraught with obstacles, yet she navigated them with unparalleled grace and resilience. Through her sheer determination and unwavering commitment to her craft, Naseem Akhter not only elevated her own status but also paved the way for countless aspiring artists to follow in her footsteps. Her legacy transcends the confines of time and space, serving as an eternal source of inspiration for generations to come.
As the echoes of her voice reverberated through the corridors of Radio Kashmir Srinagar and beyond, Naseem Akhter’s influence continued to grow, touching the hearts and souls of all who had the privilege of listening to her. Her music became a rallying cry for social change and a beacon of hope for those marginalized by society. In her artistry, she found liberation, and in her passion, she found purpose.
As her melodies reverberated through the airwaves, Naseem Akhter’s voice became synonymous with the cultural fabric of Kashmir. Her enchanting renditions captured the essence of the valley, weaving tales of love, longing, and resilience that resonated with listeners far and wide. With each note, she breathed life into age-old traditions, infusing them with a renewed vigor that transcended temporal boundaries.
Beyond the confines of her beloved Kashmir, Naseem Akhter’s talent knew no bounds. She traversed the length and breadth of the country, enchanting audiences with her soul-stirring performances. From the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, her voice echoed like a gentle breeze, leaving an indelible impression on all who had the privilege of listening to her mellifluous melodies.
Throughout her illustrious career, Naseem Akhter garnered numerous accolades and awards, each serving as a testament to her unparalleled talent and dedication to her craft. Yet, amidst the adulation and applause, she remained humble, attributing her success to the love and support of her listeners and well-wishers.
Naseem Akhtar had to be guided well at the time of audition. Adept in memorising verses of ghazals she could not read a script. She needed adequate training in picking up a given tune with proper rhythm. It might amuse the readers that one member of the Music Section would whisper a line or a verse of the selected ghazal in her ears as a prompter while she was “live “on air. This was a novel experience although enforced by need of the time.
In those bygone days, the airwaves thrummed with authenticity, leaving no room for error or second chances. And thus, Naseem Akhtar, a beacon of determination, embarked on a journey fraught with challenges, her destination illuminated by the ethereal strains of a Kashmiri ghazal penned by Maqbool Shah Kralwari.
The daunting task lay before her: to breathe life into the verses of “Wesye Gulan Aawye Bahar” with unwavering fidelity and finesse. Countless rehearsals ensued, each imbued with a fervent dedication to mastering not just the melody, but the nuances of pronunciation and poetic interpretation.
With each meticulous practice session, Naseem Akhtar chiseled away at the rough edges of uncertainty, sculpting her voice into a vessel capable of carrying the soul-stirring essence of Kralwari’s poetry. And as the fateful hour drew near, anticipation hung heavy in the air, mingling with the palpable energy of possibility.
As the strains of “Wesye Gulan Aawye Bahar” cascaded through the ether, weaving a tapestry of emotions that resonated with hearts far and wide, it became abundantly clear that Akhtar’s journey had culminated not just in success, but in the timeless legacy of a trailblazer who dared to dream, and in doing so, awakened the soul of a nation.
In the tapestry of Kashmiri folk music, adorned with nuances of naat, ghazal, rouff, and chorus, the duo… Naseem Akhtar and RajBegum emerged as luminaries, effortlessly traversing through diverse genres with finesse and grace. Raj Begams voice, husky yet melodious, possessed a captivating allure, while Naseem Akhtars high notes cascaded like gentle streams, her soft, silky tone painting pictures of ethereal beauty.
Their legacy transcends time, etched in the annals of Kashmiri music as trendsetters whose contributions remain unparalleled. Each note they sang was a testament to their unparalleled talent, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who listened. As the echoes of their melodies linger in the misty air, their voices continue to whisper tales of love, resilience, and the timeless allure of Kashmiri folk music.
Naseem Akhtar and Raj Begum were followed by some literate female soloists as Nirmala Devi, Prabha Devi, Miss Shangloo and a few others over a period of next ten years.
At a later stage, Asha Kaul, Shameema Dev, Kailash Mehra, Jahan Ara Janbaz, Haseena Akhtar and now Jamila Khan and some other soloists were introduced within last three decades of 20 century.
Both raj Begum and Naseem Akhtar have innumerable songs to their credit.Mirza Aarif’s lyric…Rumm Gayam Sheshas Begurr Ghom Bana Meyoun…is one of the many outstanding presentations. Both these ladies also presented compositions of Mohan Lal Aima and Verinder Mohan during the first decade of Radio Kashmir Srinagar. Later on, Nassarullah Khan and G.N.Shaikh and M. Ashraf carried on the production of light music in Kashmir.soms of the immortal songs sung by the legend of folk singing …
Tamnna chani deedaruk mei chum yembir
Katyo chukh nund baney…
Rum gayam sheeshais behur gov ban myon..
Mushravthas Janane…Tschi Kar Yaad Peymeeay Bea…..
As the stars cast their celestial glow upon the night sky, they whisper secrets of a bygone era, where Naseem Akhter’s voice soared with ethereal beauty, touching the hearts of all who listened. Though she may have departed from this earthly realm, her melodies linger like the fragrance of jasmine in the Kashmiri breeze, a timeless reminder of the extraordinary heights that can be reached when one dares to dream.
In the quietude of Kashmir’s valleys, where the echoes of her songs still reverberate, Naseem Akhter’s legacy shines with an iridescent brilliance, a symphony of resilience and grace that continues to inspire generations. Her music, like a sacred hymn, weaves through the fabric of time, transcending the boundaries of mortality to touch the very essence of human experience.
And so, as the night descends and the stars twinkle in silent reverence, they pay homage to a woman whose voice echoes through eternity, a testament to the enduring power of music to unite hearts and transcend the barriers of language, culture, and time.
The writer can be reached at sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com
