SANJAY PANDITA
In the lush, verdant valley of Kashmir, where the River Jhelum glistens beneath an azure sky and the Himalayas loom as silent sentinels, a star was born on the 7th of April, 1940. This star, whose brilliance would later illuminate the world of music, is Hari Kishen Langoo, known to many as Kishen Langoo. Born into a humble yet culturally rich Brahman family in the city of Srinagar at Badiyar, he is the cherished son of Late Pt.Tika Lal Langoo. From these serene and picturesque surroundings, Kishen Langoo’s journey began, destined to echo through the corridors of musical history.
Initially, Kishen Langoo’s path seemed to lie in the realm of sports, as he demonstrated exceptional prowess as a hockey player who played at National level. However, destiny had other plans for him. He transitioned from the hockey field to the stage, beginning his illustrious career as an actor, gracing both theatre and film with his presence. Yet, it was in the world of music that Kishen Langoo truly found his calling.
From a tender age, Kishen Langoo was drawn to the world of creativity, as if the very essence of the valley’s beauty had seeped into his soul. His innate urge to express himself found a perfect outlet in the realm of community theatre. Srinagar’s vibrant cultural milieu offered a fertile ground for his burgeoning talent. It was within the hallowed precincts of the “Samaj Sudhaar Natak Vibagh” and “Kalla Kendre” in Chotta Bazaar, Srinagar, that Langoo’s artistic journey began in earnest from 1955 to 1966. These theatres became his sanctuaries, where he honed his craft and delighted audiences with his lively performances and instant theatrical memory.
In the theatre, Kishen Langoo’s talent blossomed like a lotus in the Dal Lake. His ability to breathe life into characters, to evoke emotions with a mere glance or gesture, earned him a devoted following among theatre patrons. During the off-times in the theatre, he would often be found playing the mouth organ, a pastime that hinted at his burgeoning interest in music. The theatre was not just a stage for Langoo; it was a crucible where his multifaceted talent was forged.
As the years rolled by, Langoo’s passion for theatre and music grew deeper roots. He began to take these pursuits more seriously. This dedication did not go unnoticed. In 1966, he was offered a position in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life. Posted to the Song and Drama Division in Srinagar, Langoo found a platform where he could merge his theatrical prowess with his burgeoning musical talent.
In the hallowed corridors of the Song and Drama Division, Kishen Langoo emerged as a luminary, a self-taught maestro whose compositions echoed the soul of Kashmir. Steeped in the rich cultural heritage of his homeland, Langoo imbibed traditional melodies, infusing them with his distinctive artistry. A true pioneer, he revolutionized Kashmiri music by weaving the sounds of the mouth organ, piano, accordion, and guitar into the fabric of age-old tunes, thus breathing new life into the region’s musical tapestry.
His contributions were not confined to composition alone. Kishen Langoo’s mellifluous voice graced the immortal song “Vyseye Su Gulfam Yadaam Yadaam,” composed by the esteemed Mr.Sabharwal . Singing in the chorus, he etched his presence in the annals of musical history. It was here, in this crucible of creativity, that Langoo’s name became synonymous with musical excellence. He crafted timeless songs, their melodies carried by legendary voices such as Vijay Malla, Kiran Koul, Dalip Langoo, Rashid Faraz,Kailash Mehra, and many others.
Langoo’s legacy extends beyond his own performances; he is a mentor to many, imparting the nuances of music to the likes of Dalip Langoo, Kiran Koul, Shazia Bashir, and numerous contemporary singers. Among his renowned compositions, “Latiye Naar Zajnam Tan” stands out, a beloved song sung by artists across generations, resonating with audiences to this day.
Kishen Langoo’s musical sensibilities, attuned to the spirit of the lyrics and the emotions they conveyed, captivated producers from Bollywood and beyond. His compositions transcend mere melody, emerging as symphonies of emotion that encapsulate the very essence of Kashmir’s cultural soul.
Over the years, Langoo has become a sought-after Grade-I music composer, his work acknowledged and celebrated by both the masses and the government. His contributions to Kashmiri music were recognized with a CITATION from the Government of Jammu and Kashmir on the 24th of April, 2009, through the Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages. In 2016, his tireless dedication and immense talent were further honored with a State Award, solidifying his legacy as a luminary in the world of Kashmiri music.
Langoo’s professional career is a testament to his versatility and dedication. As an artist with the Song and Drama Division, he directed and acted in numerous plays, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Kashmir and beyond. Notable among his works are plays like “Ek Patti Chinar Ki,” “Ganga Maiya,” “Bouni Waether,” “Hum Honge Kamyaab,” “Bharat Darshan,” and “Bus Akh Khaab.” These productions have taken him on extensive tours across India, allowing audiences far and wide to witness his genius.He also acted in the film Mehjoor.
Rising through the ranks, Langoo retired as the Assistant Director of the Song and Drama Division in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. His journey is not just one of personal achievement but also of immense contribution to the cultural tapestry of India. He has worked closely with the J&K Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages, composing music for numerous Kashmiri songs and audio cassettes. His operatic drama “Himalaya Ke Chesme,” produced by the Academy, is a testament to his ability to blend traditional elements with contemporary narratives.
Langoo’s association with the Academy has seen him participating in and directing various cultural productions. He has played pivotal roles in musical plays like “Vitasta,” “Piya Baj Piyala,” “Tipu Sultan,” and “Himalaye Ke Chesme,” captivating audiences with his performances. His contributions extend beyond the stage as he designs, directs, and supervises a cultural troupe that represents India at international festivals. His work has taken him to various cities across India, where he presents plays and musicals, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
He has been rendering music to Bhand Pather, the traditional theatre of Kashmir, for several decades. His dedication to preserving and promoting this art form is unparalleled. Langoo’s music has been an integral part of Bhand Pather performances, adding a layer of authenticity and emotional depth that resonates with audiences. His work in this traditional theatre underscores his commitment to cultural preservation, ensuring that the rich heritage of Kashmir continues to thrive.
Langoo’s influence extends beyond the borders of India. He has presented folk music performances at the Festival of Asian Arts in Hong Kong, Tashkent, Almata, and Guyana, bringing the sounds of Kashmir to international audiences. His contributions to folk music are captured in several audio cassettes, each a testament to his mastery and dedication to the art form.
In addition to his live performances and recordings, Langoo has made significant contributions to the world of television. He composed music for popular tele-serials like “Gul Gulshan Gulfam,” “Mashaal,” and “Parteet.” His work on “Gul Gulshan Gulfam” earned him the Uptron Award for the Best Music Director in 1990-1991, and the RAPA Award for the Best Title Song. These accolades reflect the widespread recognition of his talent and the impact of his work on audiences.
Even in his later years, Kishen Langoo remains an active and influential figure in the world of music and theatre. He continues to compose music, serve as a judge for talent shows and music festivals, and teach music to aspiring artists free of cost. His commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists is unwavering, and he remains a beloved mentor and cultural icon.Recently he has composed music for film on Bhagwan Gopi Nath which is to be released very soon .
Langoo’s contributions are recognized by numerous cultural organizations across Jammu and Kashmir, New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and beyond. His work has earned him accolades and felicitations from all quarters, a testament to the profound impact he has on the cultural fabric of India. His mentors, including luminaries like Dwarika Nath Masroor, Col. Hem Chander Gupte, Gulshan Rai Kapoor, Habib Tanvir, Pran Kishore, Y.K. Seberwal, and Satya Narain Sinha of the Delhi Gharana, have played a significant role in shaping his artistic journey.
Langoo’s contributions to the arts were further acknowledged when he was conferred with the one-time Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Award. This prestigious honor was presented to him by Vice-President S. Jagdeep Dhankhar on the occasion of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. The award is a recognition of his invaluable contributions to reviving and sustaining India’s dying folk art and culture.
As the Chief Secretary and founder member of Bhartiya Lok Sangeet Kala Sansthan in Jammu, Langoo’s efforts in promoting Duggar culture and folk music at the national level have been commendable. His work in the Song and Drama Division, the largest theatre division in Asia, has seen him making prestigious contributions as an Assistant Director for over 40 years. His dedication to folk media and his role as a versatile artist, director, and writer have earned him respect and admiration throughout.
The writer can be reached at sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com
