SANJAY PANDITA
In the picturesque valley of Kashmir, where the landscapes mirror the depth of its cultural heritage, Vinay Raina’s life story began on October 27, 1950. Born in Karan Nagar, Srinagar, his early years were steeped in the rich traditions and vibrant history of the region. The sonorous tales and mesmerizing performances that resonated through the valley captured young Vinay’s imagination, igniting a passion that would define his life’s journey and contributions to Kashmiri culture.
Hailing from a Kashmiri Pandit Brahmin family, Vinay’s roots trace back to his grandfather, Shiv Jee Raina, who moved the family to Karan Nagar, Srinagar, in the year 1939-40, building a majestic four-story house. Vinay’s father, the late Shi Kashi Nath Raina, was the third son among five brothers, all offspring of the esteemed Shiv Jee Raina. The family was distinguished, with many members serving in defense services and some in the education sector. However, amidst the disciplined and scholarly pursuits of his kin, Vinay alone nurtured a fervent love for the performing arts from a tender age.
\
Vinay’s education was a tapestry woven across various schools in Karan Nagar and Udhampur, dictated by his father’s postings in the defense services. During his school days in Udhampur, Vinay often found himself entranced by the local Ram Lila performances, held beneath a grand banyan tree near the Ram-Kala Mandir. These vivid enactments of epic tales kindled his innate artistic spirit.
He completed his matriculation at D.A.V. School, Magarmal Bagh, and later graduated in Arts from Gandhi Memorial College. Throughout these years, his passion for acting flourished, manifesting in front of mirrors where he would perform with dramatic gestures and shifting moods. It was during his college days that a serendipitous encounter occurred. While strolling through the bustling streets during college days , Vinay met a passerby who invited him to act in a play. This man was none other than Sh. Bushan Lal Koul, “Deep”, from the renowned Friend Dramatic Club Rainawari.
Seizing this opportunity, Vinay joined the club and eagerly attended rehearsals, often riding a rented bicycle to the venue. However, soon after, the entire team transitioned to the National High School in Karan Nagar, thanks to the support of the drawing teacher, Sh. Moti Lal Misri, who subsequently assumed the role of director. Under his guidance, Vinay’s talents blossomed, setting the stage for a lifelong dedication to the arts.
Vinay pursued his academic ambitions at Kashmir University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. However, his heart was always inclined towards the dramatic arts. This inclination was not just a fleeting interest but a calling that led him to the doors of Doordarshan Kendra, Srinagar, in 1973. At Doordarshan, Vinay’s talent was soon recognized, and he was approved as an ‘A’ grade artist. This marked the beginning of a prolific career in television, where he brought to life approximately 35 plays, 150 episodes of various serials, and nearly 10 tele-films.
Vinay’s theatrical journey began in 1967, with his active participation in theatre activities. He performed major roles in a number of plays in Hindustani and Kashmiri languages, which were featured in festivals organized by the J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages. His performances in these festivals earned him numerous awards for best acting, reflecting his prowess and dedication to the craft. In 1986-87, Vinay produced, directed, and acted in the stage play ‘Ant Nahi’ by Shri Badal Sarkar at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, showcasing his multifaceted talent in theatre.
Vinay’s first foray into Kashmiri theater, “Naye Moath,” penned by Kishen Zutshi, saw him embody the complex role of a mentally unstable character. This performance marked a pivotal moment in his career, as the teleplay was selected by Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar and sent to Czechoslovakia for the prestigious Doordarshan production festivals. “Naye Moath” gained immense popularity during 1982-83, firmly establishing Vinay as a distinguished figure in television drama.
One of Vinay’s most notable early roles was in the celebrated serial ‘Katha Sagar.’ In the episode titled ‘Nai Sherwani,’ directed by the acclaimed Shyam Benegal and produced by Cenevista Ads, Mumbai, Vinay’s performance resonated deeply with audiences, showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor. This role was a harbinger of many more significant performances to come.
In 1989-90, Vinay played the character Noor Mohammad, the elder son of Khaliq Joo (portrayed by Parikshit Sahni) in the award-winning and popular serial ‘Gul Gulshan Gulfam.’ This serial, set against the picturesque backdrop of Kashmir, captured the socio-cultural milieu of the region and became a household name. Vinay’s portrayal of Noor Mohammad was not just a role but a reflection of the intricate emotions and struggles of Kashmiri life, earning him widespread acclaim.
The early 1990s saw Vinay taking on the role of Samrat Akbar in the historical serial ‘Amar Warso,’ directed by Sh. Honey Chayya in Mumbai. His performance as the Mughal emperor was both majestic and nuanced, adding another feather to his already illustrious cap. Around the same period, Vinay starred in ‘Safeed Jernay Ka Matmela Pani,’ an important serial for Star Plus produced by Illa Arun and directed by Shri K.K. Raina. His performances in these serials underscored his ability to adapt to diverse roles and settings, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile actor.
Vinay’s contributions were not limited to television alone. His foray into films saw him playing a major role as a revolutionary horseman in the Kashmiri feature film ‘Inquilab,’ produced by the late Jimmy Jal Cooper and directed by Shri D.K. Kanwal. This film highlighted the revolutionary fervor and socio-political upheaval in Kashmir, with Vinay’s performance capturing the essence of the character’s passionate spirit.Further showcasing his versatility, Vinay took on the role of the protagonist’s father in Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s feature film “Shikara.” His portrayal added depth and gravitas to the narrative, reinforcing his reputation as a formidable talent in both theater and cinema.
In addition to his television and film work, Vinay was also an approved voice artist in the ‘B’ high category for Radio Kashmir Srinagar, starting from 1976. His participation in numerous radio plays and programs added another dimension to his artistic repertoire, making him a household voice in the region.
His modeling stint for ‘Bemina Suiting and Shirting,’ a product of Bemina Woolen Mills of J&K Industries Development Corporation Ltd., further demonstrated his versatility. This endeavor highlighted Vinay’s ability to transcend different mediums of expression, from stage and screen to the world of advertising.
Vinay’s directorial ventures were equally impressive. He was associated with M/s Videowallas and assisted Sh. Kamal Nathani in making ad films, serials, and telefilms for several years. He also assisted Shri Bansi Koul in Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar in the telefilms ‘Vanraj,’ ‘Mahan,’ and ‘Doosra Kinara.’ His collaboration with Shri D.K. Koul (Kanwal) in Mumbai on the feature film ‘Inquilab’ and the direction and costume design for a three-episode TV opera for the Kashir Channel titled ‘Mouj Kashir’ showcased his comprehensive understanding of both direction and production.
In 2009, Vinay directed the Kashmiri stage play ‘Nove Subeh’ for Naqib Rangmunch, Jammu, which was featured in the Theatre Festival organized by the J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages. This production was a testament to his enduring commitment to promoting Kashmiri theatre and culture.
The accolades Vinay has received over the years are a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication. In 1990, he was awarded and felicitated by Tarum Kala Sangam for his outstanding performance in ‘Gul Gulshan Gulfam,’ an honor bestowed upon him in Mumbai. This recognition was a significant milestone in his career, highlighting his remarkable contribution to one of the most beloved television serials of the time.
In 1979, the J&K Cultural Academy honored Vinay for his acting prowess in the play ‘Nagpash.’ This award not only recognized his skillful portrayal of complex characters but also underscored his commitment to the theatrical arts in Kashmir. The recognition from such a prestigious institution further solidified his status as a leading figure in Kashmiri theatre.
Vinay’s contributions to theatre were also acknowledged with the Shiv Dutt Memorial Theatre Promotion Award in 2019. This Award of Honour, presented by AKM Reasi and sponsored by THE VARDAN Group Jammu, celebrated his efforts in promoting and nurturing theatre in the region. This award was a reflection of his lifelong dedication to the arts and his continuous efforts to uplift and inspire the theatre community.
In 2020, Vinay was awarded and felicitated by the Harmony Cultural Foundation as the STATE ICON OF THE YEAR. This accolade, presented on March 7, 2020, recognized his remarkable achievements in the field of acting. Being named a state icon was not just an honor for Vinay but a testament to his influence and impact on the cultural landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
Vinay Raina’s journey is a metaphor for resilience and dedication to the arts in a region often marred by turmoil. His work has been a beacon of cultural preservation and artistic excellence, bridging traditional and contemporary narratives. Through his diverse roles and contributions, Vinay has not only entertained but also enriched the cultural tapestry of Kashmir. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and an unyielding love for the dramatic arts, inspiring future generations to carry forward the rich legacy of Kashmiri culture.
The writer can be reached at sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com
