SANJAY PANDITA
In the mystic alleys of Kashmir, amidst the whispers of the majestic peaks and the gentle caress of tranquil lakes, there emerged a soul destined to weave melodies that would echo through the ages. Born on the cusp of April’s arrival in the year 1956, Mohd. Abdullah Bhat ‘Shakhsaaz’ graced the serene village of Beehama, Ganderbal, with his presence.
With the ethereal strains of his sarangi and the haunting resonance of his soulful voice,Shakhsaaz embarked on a journey that would intertwine his name with the very essence of Kashmiri music. His compositions, like “Yaar dod naar khot zalan khotwan ,vesiye yaarus.van ,” became immortal hymns, sung by sufi singers across generations, yet few knew of their originator, the maestro himself.
Acknowledged by All India Radio as a paragon of musical mastery, Shakhsaaz shared his artistry with the greatest legends of Kashmiri music. From Raj Begum to Naseem Akhtar, Vijay Malla to Gulam Nabi Shaikh, Gulam Hassan sofi to Shamima Azad ,Kailash Mehra to Arti ticku,Qasir Nizami to Waheed Jeelani ,Muneer Ahmed to Aijaz Rah and many others he lent his sarangi’s voice to their melodies, enriching each note with his profound understanding of the craft.
It was in the picturesque setting of Beehama that Shakhsaaz’s journey into the enchanting world of music began. From a young age, he was drawn to the melodies that echoed through the valleys and the rhythms that danced on the breeze. Under the guidance of his elders, he honed his skills, learning the traditional instruments of Kashmiri music and immersing himself in its rich oral tradition.
As the years passed, Shakhsaaz’s talent blossomed, and his reputation as a virtuoso spread far and wide. His music became synonymous with the beauty and grace of Kashmir, capturing the essence of its landscapes and the spirit of its people. Whether performing at local festivals or on the world stage, Shakhsaaz’s compositions evoked a sense of longing and nostalgia, transporting listeners to distant realms of the imagination.
His journey as a vocalist in Kashmiri folk music began under the tutelage of his uncle in the 1970s, a time when the valleys echoed with the melodies of centuries-old traditions.
Across the expanse of his illustrious career, Shakhsaaz has stood as a towering figure in the world of music, captivating audiences with his soul-stirring renditions. His voice, akin to the gentle breeze that caresses the valleys, carries the weight of centuries-old sagas of love, yearning, and spiritual transcendence. As a sarangi virtuoso, his fingers glide effortlessly across the strings, weaving a tapestry of melodies that transports listeners to realms of ethereal beauty and tranquility.
Recognized for his unparalleled talent, Shakhsaaz holds the esteemed title of an A-grade artist, a testament to his mastery of the craft. With his affiliation to All India Radio, his music has traversed the length and breadth of the nation, touching the hearts of millions with its profound emotion and sheer elegance.
For over two decades, Shakhsaaz graced the airwaves of Radio Kashmir, serving as a stalwart custodian of the musical heritage of his land. Through his artistry, he breathed life into every composition, infusing them with a depth of feeling that resonated deeply with his audience.
Yet, Shakhsaaz is not merely a performer; he is a guardian of culture, a custodian of tradition. With each performance, he keeps alive the legacy of his forebears, ensuring that the rich tapestry of Kashmiri Sufi folk music remains vibrant and alive for generations to come.
Amidst the verses of Kashmiri poetry, his journey unfolds like the unfolding petals of a lotus, revealing moments of friendship, cultural exchange, and artistic innovation.
In the annals of his travels, etched in the memories of yesteryears, lies the tale of a friendship tour to Russia through the National Cadet Corps in the year 1987. Across distant lands and unfamiliar terrain, bonds of camaraderie were forged, bridging divides and fostering understanding.
A year later, in 1988, the allure of adventure beckoned once more, leading Shakhsaaz on a journey to Singapore, courtesy of the Tourism Department. Amidst the vibrant streets and bustling markets, he discovered the beauty of cultural diversity and the universality of human connection.
In the year 2011, his wanderlust carried him across the continents, as he embarked on a tour to Switzerland, France, and beyond. Amidst the snow-capped peaks of the Alps and the romantic streets of Paris, he found inspiration in the symphony of cultures that intertwined in the heart of Europe.
Yet, his travels were not confined to distant shores alone, for Shakhsaaz traversed the length and breadth of his homeland, participating in Sufi mehfils that echoed with the melodies of the soul. From the valleys of Kashmir to the plains of Punjab, his music resonated with audiences far and wide, earning him accolades and adoration wherever he went.
Awards adorned his path like jewels, each one a testament to his unparalleled talent and dedication to his craft. Yet, it was not merely the recognition that fueled his passion, but the opportunity to share his gift with the world, to weave his melodies into the fabric of human experience.
As an expert sarangi player, Mohammad Abdullah Bhat, Shakhsaaz lent his musical prowess to a diverse array of projects, from providing background music to Urdu songs and serials to composing scores for English-language documentaries. Through his artistry, he transcended linguistic barriers, speaking to the hearts of listeners across the globe.
In February 2017, amidst the shimmering skyline of Dubai, Shakhsaaz took center stage at Amity University, participating in the program “Soz Boz” organized by Kashmiris residing in the city. Amidst the bustle of urban life, he shared the timeless wisdom of Sufi poetry, reminding all who listened of the enduring power of love, devotion, and spiritual awakening.
In the illustrious journey of Shakhsaaz, the accolades and honors bestowed upon him are akin to jewels adorning the crown of his musical legacy. Each award, a testament to his unparalleled talent and unwavering dedication to the art of Kashmiri folk music, shines brightly, illuminating the path he has carved through the annals of musical history.
Sheshrang Music Club Award (2015): Presented by the esteemed Sheshrang Music Club in Srinagar, this award recognized Shakhsaaz’s exceptional contributions to the rich tapestry of Kashmiri music. It served as a beacon of appreciation from his peers and contemporaries, affirming his status as a luminary in the realm of folk music.
Radio Kashmir Srinagar Prasar Bharati Broadcasting Corporation of India Award for Commercial Broadcasting Service : Bestowed by Radio Kashmir Srinagar, this award celebrated Shakhsaazs mastery as a sarangi player and his impeccable performances on the airwaves. It served as a testament to his ability to captivate audiences and convey the soul-stirring essence of Kashmiri music through the medium of radio.
Kashmir Sports Srinagar Award (2018): Honored by Kashmir Sports Srinagar for his participation in the Bakshi Ghulam Mohammed Memorial Football Tournament at Islamia College of Commerce and Science in Srinagar, this award recognized Shakhsaazs multifaceted talents beyond the realm of music. It underscored his versatility and contributions to cultural events within the community.
Awaz Voice of Artists and Art Lovers of Kashmir Award: Presented by Awaz Voice of Artists and Art Lovers of Kashmir, this award celebrated Shakhsaazs enduring impact on the cultural landscape of the region. It served as a testament to his ability to transcend boundaries and unite diverse audiences through the universal language of music.
Choona Hai Aasman Award (2019): Bestowed by Choona Hai Aasman and presented by the District Police Ganderbal, this award recognized Shakhsaazs exceptional talent and contributions to the cultural heritage of Kashmir. It highlighted his ability to inspire and uplift through his soulful performances, fostering a sense of pride and unity within the community.
Ensemble of Kashmiri Sufi Music Orchestra Award (2013): Organized by the District Development Commissioner Srinagar, this award honored Shakhsaazs role in preserving and promoting the rich traditions of Kashmiri Sufi music. It served as a testament to his dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of the region for future generations to cherish and appreciate.
Ghulam Mohammad Dar Memorial Award (2019): Presented by the HF Foundation, this award recognized Shakhsaazs outstanding contributions to his respective field and his role as a valued asset to society. It celebrated his commitment to excellence and his unwavering dedication to his craft, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.
Late Mohammad Sultan Bhat Memorial Award (2019): Presented by the Kashmir Gulokaar Society, this award celebrated Shakhsaazs significant contributions to the cultural and musical heritage of Kashmir. It honored his tireless efforts to preserve and promote the unique traditions of the region, ensuring that they continue to flourish for generations to come.
Sooz-e-Jaras Award (2023): Organized by the Department of Tourism, J&K Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages, this award recognized Shakhsaazs exemplary talent and contributions to the cultural fabric of Kashmir. It celebrated his role as a cultural ambassador, spreading the rich musical traditions of Kashmir to audiences far and wide.
Retiring from the bustling waves of Radio Kashmir Srinagar, he now dedicates his every moment to the melodic enchantment of folk Sufi singing, weaving rhythms that dance through the hearts of music aficionados, like a mystical tale told by the wind itself.
The writer can be reached at sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com
