SANJAY PANDITA
Sidharth Kak is a man whose life and work mirror the landscapes of his native land—ever-evolving, layered, and rich in history. Born into the illustrious Kak family of Kashmir, a lineage steeped in legacy, he carries within him the stories of his forebears like the wind carries whispers of forgotten tales across the Himalayas. His heritage is woven with the legacy of his grandfather, Pandit Ram Chander Kak, the last Pandit Prime Minister of Kashmir and an esteemed archaeologist whose works, such as The Ancient Monuments of Kashmir, immortalized the ancient wisdom of his homeland. Yet, like a river carving its course through time, Sidharth Kak has shaped his own unique path through the ever-changing cultural terrains of India.
In his early years, Kak’s journey began in the picturesque landscapes of Himachal, where the towering mountains and tranquil valleys fostered a deep reverence for the land’s quiet beauty. This environment must have nurtured within him an appreciation for the stillness that precedes creation, a silence that would later manifest in his reflective yet inquisitive storytelling style. These formative years in Himachal, coupled with the intellectual stimulation he encountered at St. Stephen’s College in Delhi, laid the foundation for a man who would bridge the old and the new with effortless grace. Surrounded by a variety of cultures, Kak grew into a person who embodied the complexity and diversity of India’s soul.
Perhaps it was this deep, almost spiritual connection to his heritage that steered him toward storytelling. Like a potter shaping clay, Kak began to mold narratives drawn from India’s vast cultural reservoir. His stories became more than entertainment; they transformed into vessels of preservation, conduits through which India’s intangible heritage could be shared with audiences far and wide. It was a natural progression, guided by his love for the country’s history and the inspiration derived from his own lineage.
Sidharth Kak’s magnum opus came in the form of Surabhi, the iconic television show that aired from 1991 to 2001. Far more than a program, Surabhi was a cultural revolution, a weekly pilgrimage for millions rediscovering the essence of India. Each episode was a journey to the heart of the nation, a bridge connecting modern urban dwellers with ancient rural rhythms. Kak’s voice provided viewers with a calm yet passionate guide, as he did not merely present India’s cultural wealth but celebrated it. Alongside Renuka Shahane, whose warmth and elegance complemented his steady presence, Kak became a symbol of cultural continuity, reminding viewers that the past is not something to forget but something to cherish and understand.
The creation of Surabhi was, in many ways, a reflection of Kak’s own life—rooted in tradition yet reaching toward progress. Each segment offered a glimpse into the vast array of artistry, craftsmanship, and storytelling that form India’s cultural tapestry. From bustling cities to quiet villages, from artisans weaving magic into cloth to storytellers reciting ancient myths, Surabhi was a testament to India’s incredible cultural diversity. Through Kak’s lens, the nation’s soul was brought to life in all its richness.
Beyond the screen, Kak’s vision grew into something even larger. In 2001, he established the Surabhi Foundation, with a million-dollar endowment from the Ford Foundation, dedicated to preserving India’s intangible cultural heritage. The foundation became the keeper of a vast digitized audiovisual archive, holding 15,000 hours of professionally filmed footage documenting everything from traditional crafts to sacred rituals. Like a custodian of India’s collective memory, Kak’s work through the Surabhi Foundation was not merely an act of preservation but an act of reverence—honoring the countless artisans, musicians, and storytellers whose contributions might otherwise have faded into obscurity.
Kak’s creative expression, however, was not confined to television alone. As a filmmaker, he captured India’s essence in flux—a nation balancing modernity with tradition, progress with preservation. His documentaries are both a reflection and exploration of a country that constantly evolves while remaining deeply rooted. Through his films, Kak revealed India’s beauty and complexity, its people, landscapes, and traditions. Each project became a lens into the country’s soul, an extension of his larger mission.
His literary contributions also hold an important place in his journey. His first book, Looking In, Looking Out, published in 1975, is a meditation on the inner and outer worlds of human existence. This work, a collection of his early poetry compiled by Writers Workshop Kolkata, offers readers a glimpse into his contemplative spirit and philosophical outlook. Through verses that explore the intersections of self and society, Kak reflects his journey as both an observer and participant in India’s cultural landscape.
Kak’s second book, Surabhi Ke Sau Sawaal, further reflects his interactive approach to storytelling. This collection of questions posed by Surabhi viewers captures the deep engagement he fostered with his audience, demonstrating his commitment to making cultural exploration an interactive experience. The book stands as a testament to the curiosity that Surabhi ignited across generations.
In his third book, Love Exile Redemption, Kak delves into a deeply personal narrative, recounting the life of his grandfather, Pandit Ram Chander Kak. Through this work, he shares the struggles and contributions of the last Pandit Prime Minister of Kashmir, presenting a personal yet profound exploration of love, loss, and legacy. This book serves as both a tribute and a historical record, capturing the resilience and wisdom of a man whose impact on Kashmir endures.
Kak’s literary journey is set to continue with the release of his fourth book, A Fire Over Everest, scheduled for publication by Penguin Random House next year. This work promises to carry forward his commitment to storytelling that is both reflective and illuminating, expanding his exploration of India’s identity and his own.
In recent years, Kak has continued to explore new avenues of storytelling. His travel show Indiadhanush on NDTV Imagine, co-hosted with Ami Trivedi, invites viewers on a journey across India’s diverse landscapes—from bustling metropolises to tranquil villages. Like a rainbow stretching across the sky, the show captures the spectrum of India’s cultural and geographical diversity, reminding viewers that every corner of the country holds a story waiting to be told. Through Indiadhanush, Kak reinforces his mission to highlight the hidden gems of India, proving that a nation’s essence lies not only in its monuments but in its people and their stories.
Through his television programs, foundation work, documentaries, and books, Sidharth Kak has become a bridge between India’s past and present, blending tradition with progress. His dedication to the Surabhi Foundation, his explorations through film and literature, and his television contributions are all part of a larger journey—a journey to safeguard the essence of India while celebrating its evolution. His legacy is not merely one of preservation but one of inspiration, reminding us that to understand where we are going, we must first honor where we come from.
Kak’s mentorship has extended beyond his cultural work. As a mentor to the Liberal Arts program at MIT World Peace University in Pune, he shares his knowledge and passion with the next generation. By guiding students who will one day carry forward India’s cultural legacy, he ensures that the flame of heritage continues to burn bright. In addition, he has initiated festivals celebrating literature, cinema, design, and psychology, helping cultivate a thriving artistic community in an increasingly digitized world.
Sidharth Kak’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. His television company, Cinema Vision India, has received numerous awards, including three national awards, and has produced over 2,500 documentaries. His accomplishments have been recognized with prestigious honors, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Lawrence School, Sanawar, one of Asia’s oldest and most esteemed institutions. His role on the Governing Board of the Surajkund Mela Authority, which oversees India’s largest annual craft festival, further solidifies his status as a champion of Indian art and craftsmanship.
At the heart of Sidharth Kak’s journey lies a profound love for India—a love that is reflected in every story he tells, every project he undertakes, and every archive he preserves. His life’s work has been to capture the soul of a nation, preserving its cultural memory and inspiring future generations to take pride in their heritage. Like a river that never ceases to flow, Kak’s journey continues, always carving new paths and discovering new stories. Through his eyes, we see India not only as it is but as it has always been—a land of boundless diversity, beauty, and wisdom.
The writer can be reached at sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com