Sopore, October 5: Renowned Kashmiri playwright, theatre director, author, television host and cultural activist Mohammad Amin Bhat has been honoured with the Atiqa Bano Memorial Award–2026 for his distinguished and enduring contribution to the promotion, preservation and enrichment of Kashmiri language, literature, theatre and cultural heritage.
The award was presented on Youm-e-Meeras on October 4, 2026, by Meeras Mahal Museum, Sopore, in association with Majlis-un-Nisa J&K, Sopore.
Born and brought up in Baramulla, Bhat has devoted more than four decades to the creative and cultural life of Jammu and Kashmir. He began his artistic journey as a founder member of the Mehboob Cultural Society, Baramulla, and subsequently emerged as an important voice in Kashmiri theatre and literature.
His first stage play, Man-e-Kis Wanas Manz (1985), received the Academy Award, while his radio play Nav Tre–Ana Satovuh won the Best Play Award at the First Akashwani Radio Play Competition at the national level in 1987.
His acclaimed plays, including Naal, Tchal (The Trap), Shinkhti Card, White Paper and April Fool, have made a significant contribution to modern Kashmiri theatre. His short stories, including Kotar Mour, Tamashi ta Tamashi and Rang Barangi Dastar, have also received critical appreciation.
Bhat’s creative contribution extends to cinema. His play Phone No. 786 was adapted into the feature film Hamid, which received the National Award for Best Urdu Film in 2019.
For nearly two decades, he has also remained a familiar voice and face through Doordarshan Kashmir’s iconic morning programme Good Morning J&K, where he has anchored around 3,000 episodes, connecting literature, culture and contemporary issues with a wide audience.
The citation also recognised Bhat’s sustained advocacy for the Kashmiri language and performing arts. He has been associated with the Sahitya Akademi Board for Kashmiri Language and currently serves as President of Adbi Markaz Kamraz, J&K, an umbrella organisation working for the promotion and preservation of Kashmiri language, literature and arts.
The organisers said the award recognises Bhat’s exceptional artistic journey, distinguished service to Kashmiri language, literature and theatre, and steadfast contribution to preserving and enriching the cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
The award was presented by Muzamil Bashir, President, Meeras Mahal Museum Sopore, and Dr Rafiq Masoodi, Patron, Majlis-un-Nisa J&K Sopore.
