Syed Nissar H Gilani
I reflect on my time at Srinagar Doordarshan, memories of a bygone era flood my mind. I recall an article titled “Srinagar Doordarshan, a den of corruption” by Z.G. Mohd, published in the 1978 issue of Onlooker magazine. When Zahid GM asked me about the article, I denied any knowledge of it, likely due to my limited understanding at the time. Nevertheless, our pictures were featured in the article, possibly because of our growing prominence as anchors, alongside Naseem Khan, a star attraction and audience favorite.
The article sparked significant interest among readers, and the magazine’s copies sold out quickly. During that period, Doordarshan’s popularity soared with film song-based programs like “Shokian,” which showcased Naseem Khan’s talent. Farooq Nazki’s dramas captivated viewers, while Hussan Rather’s “Butrat” program resonated deeply with rural audiences. Bashir Badgami’s documentaries, crafted on a shoestring budget, were a treat to watch.
PTV programs were also extremely popular those days, and Doordarshan Srinagar faced stiff competition. To combat this, the team worked tirelessly to produce high-quality content that would appeal to the local audience and help neutralize PTV’s viewership. In its infancy, Doordarshan Srinagar was a hub of creative activity, driven by dedicated officials like Late Bashir Bhat, Farooq Nazki, Virendar Mohan (Music), Kabir Ahmed, Mehmood Ahmed Qureshi, Zaffar Ahmed, Swami Natri, B.L. Kaul, Mir Zaffar, Ashok Vishnavi, and Delhi Doordarshan’s charming announcer Surita Pachawari. Despite limited funds, producers created exceptional content that gained international recognition, including Bashir Badgami’s documentaries, which were showcased at numerous festivals abroad.
Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar nurtured and produced some of the finest drama artists over the years, including legendary figures like Zameer Ashai, Ayash Arif, Sheikh Tariq, Qazi Ashraf, G.N. Wani, Bashir Mansoor, Javeed Gilani, Syed Riaz Gilani, Late Zadoo, Saraf, Nazir Josh, Ashraf Shawal, and many more. Some, like the late Tariq Shah and parveez Masoodi, went on to achieve success in Bollywood.
The team at Srinagar Doordarshan unitedly produced some excellent dramas, including “Extra Nahayee,” “Dara,” in which I played the role of a judge, albeit briefly, “Alaav,” and dozens of others. These productions showcased the talent and creativity of the team.
Among the talented producers were individuals like Suresh Srivastav and Zutshi, who played a significant role in shaping the content of Doordarshan Srinagar.
As someone who was initially brought in as an outsider for health programs, my prior connections with DDK helped me maintain a relationship with the organization. I’ve been fortunate to witness multiple phases of Doordarshan’s evolution from its inception in 1973 to 2019, until the COVID-19 pandemic. The wealth of memories I’ve accumulated would take months to pen down.
As I reflect on those times, I also remember individuals like Domadaran, a talented Kashmiri Pandit and a neighbor of mine at Malaratta, who was a renowned composer. His contributions, like those of many others, are worth remembering.
Sadly, the stalwarts who worked tirelessly to establish the Srinagar TV center, once the third-largest in the country, have passed away. Their contributions will be remembered for a long time. As I conclude, I fondly recall John Max Lobbo, a set designer from Goa, and Stanley, a renowned cameraman from the South, who lent their expertise to Srinagar Doordarshan.
May the souls of all those who are no longer with us rest in peace.
The writer is former Assistant Commissioner of Revenue Department, can be reached at nisargilani57748@gmail.com
